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The Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) has initiated steps to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to identify facilities required for development of a cruise terminal at its inner harbour. The DPR will take into consideration the facilities required for attracting cruise vessels and also the architectural and structural designs apart from the potential at Vizag for cruise tourism, VPT sources said, adding that the report may be completed in the next three months. At present, VPT sees a passenger-cum-cargo ship ply from Vizag to Andaman & Nicobar Islands operated by the island administration. If the cruise terminal comes up, VPT can become an international cruise hub.
VPT is currently replacing the four berths of EQ (East Quay) 2 to 5 by developing them into two multipurpose terminals as part of its modernisation programme. According to the sources, VPT intends to develop a facility to accommodate passengers arriving on international cruise vessels at the multipurpose terminal being developed on the EQ 2 to 5 berths.
“We have decided to prepare a feasibility-cum-detailed project report for development of required facilities with all amenities for international cruise tourism behind EQ2 to 5 berths. The consultant will provide a detailed business plan with traffic potential, designs and estimated costs involved for the project. Also, the viability of the project will be studied based on which the port will take a decision about developing the facilities,” a VPT official said.
Meanwhile, another official said, “The tourism department has issued some funding for conducting the study,” adding that the port is looking at providing all facilities which are necessary for attracting international cruise liners to the city. “Kochi Port has also modified its facility to attract cruise liners and they have seen more than 50 vessels calling on the port. We can also provide a similar facility at our port and our draft will also be around 14 metres and we can easily accommodate cruise vessels carrying about 2000 passengers. We will develop the facility as it will be an asset to VPT,” the official added.
“We have heard that the state government is talking about developing a cruise terminal at around Rs 300 crore near Bheemili, but without conducting a study and understanding the potential, it doesn\’t make business sense. If a cruise terminal is to be constructed at Bheemili, then it will involve additional costs including dredging, breakwater and channel development, which will be too costly,” a shipping industry source said. He said, “The state government should instead focus on attractive packages for the tourists to make them come to the city and utilise the existing port facilities in an optimal manner.”
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