The construction of key development projects in Krishna district, Bandaru Port and Fishing Harbor are being severely delayed by contracting companies. Although the government says that the construction of these two projects will be completed quickly, in practice they are progressing at a snail’s pace.
Despite extending the contract period twice in 49 months, only 69 percent of the construction work of the fishing harbor has been completed. Even though the contract period is ending in another five months, only 33 percent of the port construction work has been completed. The government is expecting that hundreds of associated industries will be set up once the construction of Bandaru Port is completed and employment opportunities for thousands of youth will improve.
In May 2023, Mega Engineering Construction Company started the construction of four berths in the first phase of this port. The project should be completed in 30 months, i.e. by the end of October 2025. Out of the works worth Rs 3,669 crore, only 32.72 percent of the works worth Rs 1,200 crore have been completed in 25 months. 67.28 percent of the work is yet to be completed.
The contracting companies are alleging that the projects are getting delayed due to the complexity of the construction. In this context, it is a matter of debate to what extent the government’s words of completing the construction of two projects in another year will be implemented.
Hyderabad-based MRKR Engineering Company has signed an agreement with the AP Maritime Board for the construction of the Rs 421.17 crore Bandaru Fishing Harbor project. Construction work has been undertaken to accommodate 300 ten-meter long boats, 200 15-meter long boats, and 50 24-meter long tuna longliner boats in this harbor.
The necessary jetties, fishermen on fishing boats, fishing equipment they have, boat repairs, fish auction godowns, etc. will be available to the fishermen once this project is completed. Currently, fisheries worth Rs. 20 crore are available through a hundred boats, but it is said that the production of wealth will increase to Rs. 200 crore if the modern harbor is completed.
It is estimated that 3,300 fishermen will be employed. The boulders at the North Breakwater 1150 meters and the South Breakwater 1240 meters are sinking into the mud no matter how much they are placed.