The Andhra Pradesh Government has rationalised the geographical jurisdiction of two major ports in the State—Ramayapatnam and Machilipatnam—reducing their notified coastal limits to 15 km from the existing 51 km and 64 km, respectively.

The decision was taken as a substantial portion of the land falling within the existing port limits remained unutilised and was not required for current operations or future expansion the State Government said in separate Government Orders (GOs) for the two ports.

The reduction in limits was also in line with the objectives of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Policy, 2024.

According to the GO, Ramayapatnam Port’s jurisdiction, which currently extends to nearly 51 km of coastline, was reviewed following a recommendation by the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board.

The Board informed the government that such an extensive area was no longer necessary for the port’s present operations or future development plans.

A large part of the notified area remained unused, offering no immediate operational benefit. Retaining such a vast jurisdiction could also lead to overlaps with the administrative limits of neighbouring ports and hinder integrated coastal development, according to APMB.

While larger areas had earlier been included within port limits to accommodate long-term expansion, changing development plans and actual operational requirements warranted a review.

The revised limits would ensure that only the land required for future port development, shipping activities and other maritime operations remains within the notified jurisdiction.

A similar exercise has been carried out for the under-construction Machilipatnam Port. Its jurisdiction has been reduced from 64 km to 15 km after the government found that a significant portion of the existing notified area was lying unused.

The revised jurisdiction for both Ramayapatnam and Machilipatnam ports will come into effect from June 29, 2026.

Published on June 29, 2026