<p data-path-to-node="6"><b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="0">VISAKHAPATNAM / NEW DELHI</b> — In a major infrastructure push under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has officially approved the construction of a ₹334.89-crore internal grade-separated flyover at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). The project, formally cleared by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal following appraisal by the Delegated Investment Board (DIB) chaired by the Ministry's Secretary, is designed to overhaul internal freight evacuation and decompress chronic traffic friction inside the port area.</p><p data-path-to-node="7">The centerpiece of the development is a <b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="40">3.584-kilometre elevated freight corridor</b> connecting <b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="93">Convent Junction directly with the primary Dock Area</b>. The structure is engineered to segregate heavy road transport from active rail shunting lines, permanently bypassing <b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="264">nine critical railway level crossings</b> within the port limits that currently witness up to 18 gate closures daily due to intense train exchange movements.</p><h4 data-path-to-node="9"><b data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Slashing Drayage Delays and Mitigating Port Gate Carbon Intensity</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="10">Visakhapatnam Port—one of India's premier major gateways on the Eastern Seaboard, which handled 91.17 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY2025–26—has faced mounting landside congestion as heavy bulk and containerized rakes compete for right-of-way with drayage tractor-trailers.</p><p data-path-to-node="11">The continuous gate closures at at-grade rail crossings have historically triggered long vehicle queues, extended terminal dwell times, and inflated vehicle operating costs. By routing heavy cargo trucks over the elevated roadway, the flyover will:</p><ul data-path-to-node="12"><li><p data-path-to-node="12,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="12,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Compress internal cargo turnaround windows:</b> Eliminate idle waiting times at rail intersections, slashing container and bulk vehicle transfer times across the port premises.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="12,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="12,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Reduce operating outlays and fuel consumption:</b> Lower fleet carbon emissions and curtail idling overheads for port trucking fleets handling coal, iron ore, containerized cargo, and petroleum products.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="12,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="12,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Streamline dock-to-hinterland evacuation:</b> Establish a high-velocity link that feeds directly into the port road connectivity network and National Highway 16, preventing port-bound freight spillover into Visakhapatnam's municipal city corridors.</p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="14"><b data-path-to-node="14" data-index-in-node="0">Scope of Work, Safety Systems, and Execution Roadmap</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="15">The approved capital layout covers complete civil structures, electrical infrastructure, utility line relocation, advanced traffic management and safety systems, as well as a comprehensive <b data-path-to-node="15" data-index-in-node="189">five-year post-construction maintenance contract</b>.</p><p data-path-to-node="16">The Ministry confirmed that execution will be phased to ensure zero disruption to round-the-clock dock operations and vessel-loading sequences. The project has been placed on a fast-track execution timeline of <b data-path-to-node="16" data-index-in-node="210">30 months from the formal commencement of civil works</b>.</p>