<p data-path-to-node="5">Accelerating its port-led industrial growth strategy, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially approved administrative sanctions for Phase II land acquisition for the greenfield <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="204">Mulapeta Port</b> (formerly Bhavanapadu Port) in Srikakulam district. Under the project pipeline, the state will acquire <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="321">1,903.39 acres</b> at an estimated cost of <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="360">₹440.52 crore ($52.8 million)</b>, which includes dedicated funds for Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) for displaced local communities.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The approval forms a core component of a broader ₹1,638.52 crore Phase II land acquisition package covering over 6,248 acres across three major state-developed greenfield ports: Mulapeta, Ramayapatnam, and Machilipatnam.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Pre-Construction Land Identification Underway as Phase I Nears Completion</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The administrative clearance allows state revenue authorities to secure the necessary land footprint ahead of the port's commercial rollout:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Financed via APMB Internal Reserves:</b> Special Chief Secretary (Infrastructure & Investment) M.T. Krishna Babu confirmed that land acquisition expenditures will be met directly through the internal financial resources of the <b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="223">Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB)</b>.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Phase I Readiness & Operational Timeline:</b> Construction on the ₹4,362 crore Phase I development has crossed 80% physical completion, with dredging finished and breakwater structures over 92% complete. Revenue officials in Santabommali mandal have initiated preliminary identification of government, APIIC, and private land parcels to ensure seamless transition into Phase II.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Handling Capacity & Infrastructure Specs:</b> Designed with an 18-meter draft, Mulapeta Port will feature four deep-water berths (three for general cargo and one for coal) capable of handling Panamax and Capesize vessels with an initial annual handling capacity of 23.5 million tonnes.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Rail and Highway Connectivity:</b> The project recently received a boost after the Centre approved the transfer of 385.24 acres of Naupada Salt Factory land to APMB, facilitating direct rail siding links and seamless road access to National Highway-16 (NH-16). Once fully operational, the port is expected to serve as a vital maritime gateway for landlocked industrial belts in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.</p></li></ul>
Andhra Pradesh Approves ₹440 Crore Land Acquisition for Phase II Expansion of Mulapeta Port
Accelerating its port-led industrial growth strategy, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially approved administrative sanctions for Phase II land acquisition for the greenfield Mulapeta Port (formerly Bhavanapadu Port) in Srikakulam district. Under the project pipeline, the state will acquire 1,903.39 acres at an estimated cost of ₹440.52 crore ($52.8 million), which includes dedicated funds for Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) for displaced local communities.
