To enhance marine travel and tourism via the Visakhapatnam Port, an International Marine Cruise Terminal (IMCT) is set to be introduced in the city. The Vizag Port is the fourth in the country, after Cochin, Goa, and Chennai ports, to have the cruise terminal facility. In the latest development, it was announced that the project is expected to commence in January 2022. As Visakhapatnam Port Trust gears up to escalate the construction activities, let us have a look at the salient features of the Cruise Terminal project.
Salient features of the proposed Cruise Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port:
#1 A cruise berth of 180 m length with four mooring dolphins – two each on either side of the berth will be installed
#2 This is to enable the berthing of Panamax vessels, which can accommodate as many as 2,000 passengers
#3 Additionally, a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) with a total built-up area of 3,530 sq.m.
#4 As a part of the project, parking amenities will be facilitated. The parking lot will be able to house 7 buses, 70 cars, and 40 two-wheelers at once.
#5 This world-class cruise terminal is being designed by the prestigious institution, IIT Madras
It may be noted that the berth estimate amount was revised to Rs 64.24 crore by the consultants IIT Madras during the detailed design stage duly including shore protection work. The Terminal Building Estimate was revised to Rs 31.81 crore due to the design requirements of the structure involving components of RCC and Steel works by the consultants M/s. Creative Group, amounting to Rs 96.05 crore. The project is expected to be completed within fourteen months from the date of commencement, i.e., February 2023.
The cruise terminal was proposed two years ago as a means to boost the immense tourism potential of the Visakhapatnam region. Unfortunately, the construction of the world-class cruise terminal in Visakhapatnam could not be started due to the delay in the issuance of necessary clearances.
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