Visakhapatnam Port: Berthing Delays Spark Chaos, Traders Eye Exit

• Visakhapatnam Port, once a record-setter, is now facing severe criticism due to chaotic cargo handling and berthing issues, causing ships to be stuck for days.
• Lack of berths is delaying cargo, and a new Rs. 40 crore truck parking terminal adds Rs. 150/day per truck, increasing costs for traders due to prolonged stays.
• Traders and stevedores allege negligence by traffic department officials, particularly an official from Gujarat, for the current problems.
• Stevedores warn they may move to the neighboring Gangavaram port if the issues at Visakhapatnam Port are not addressed.
• The current situation jeopardizes the port chairman's target of handling 90 million metric tons of cargo this year.

Why It Matters: Visakhapatnam Port's chaos threatens trade, raises costs, and risks business.