Wed Jul 16 02:41:20 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article based on the information provided:
**Summary:**
The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) to evaluate proposals for enhancing the Ramayapatnam Port project. These proposals include increased dredging to accommodate larger vessels, improved rail and road connectivity, and an extension of the project’s completion deadline. The aim is to ensure the port’s commercial viability and its ability to handle projected cargo volumes. The APMB requested to increase the port’s draft from 16m to 18.5m and asked for an extension of time up to April 27, 2026. The GoM is expected to submit its recommendations promptly.
**News Article:**
**Andhra Pradesh Forms Committee to Boost Ramayapatnam Port Project**
**VIJAYAWADA, July 16, 2025** – The Government of Andhra Pradesh announced today the formation of a Group of Ministers (GoM) to assess proposals aimed at significantly enhancing the Ramayapatnam Port project. The move comes as the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) seeks to increase the port’s capacity and improve its connectivity to ensure long-term commercial success.
The GoM, comprising the Ministers of Finance, Infrastructure & Investment, and Tourism, will specifically examine recommendations for expanded dredging operations to deepen the port’s draft from 16 meters to 18.5 meters. This would allow the port to accommodate larger “Cape size” and “Super Cape size” vessels, aligning it with evolving global shipping trends.
In addition, the committee will evaluate plans for enhanced rail and road connectivity to facilitate the efficient movement of cargo to and from the port. The APMB cited that these include additional dredging at approach channel and berth pockets, additional railway lines up to the proposed backup yard behind three multi-purpose berths, development of backup yard infrastructure for storage of cargo, movement of trucks, and operation of material handling equipment, and additional external road connectivity and internal road connectivity within the port. The project is currently slated to handle 34.04 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of cargo, primarily coal and iron ore.
The APMB has also requested an Extension of Time (EoT) for the project’s completion, pushing the deadline from the original June 23, 2025, to April 27, 2026, citing delays related to land handover and analysis of work stoppages.
The GoM is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the government expeditiously, paving the way for potential upgrades to the port, a key infrastructure project for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The initial budget for the port’s first phase was ₹3,736.14 crore, later revised to ₹4,929 crore.
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