Construction of Machilipatnam Port began on April 21, 2023, with an anticipated completion date of October 2025. This port, managed by the Andhra Pradesh government, is not included in the central government's Sagarmala scheme but is being significantly supported by a substantial term loan of Rs 3,940.42 Crore from Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC). This loan is provided to the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (MPDCL), which operates under the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB). The financial backing highlights the port's importance to regional development and infrastructure, despite its exclusion from central initiatives. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) are making significant investments in Andhra Pradesh, with a total of 36 projects underway worth Rs 4,600 Crore. Out of these, 22 projects, totalling approximately Rs 2,530 Crore, have already been completed. The remaining 14 projects, valued at Rs 2,070 Crore, are at various stages of development. Among these initiatives, a major highlight is the construction of a state-of-the-art International Cruise cum Coastal Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port. This terminal is designed to handle both international and domestic passengers, enhancing the region's capabilities for maritime tourism and boosting overall port infrastructure. India's port capacity has seen impressive growth, reaching over 2,500 million tons per annum (MTPA) in the fiscal year 2022-23, which is an 86% increase from 2014-15. Over the same period, the cargo handling capacity at major ports has doubled. This progress highlights the government's strong commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and improving operational efficiency, reflecting a strategic push to support economic growth and trade.