Why in NEWS
Machilipatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh, once a flourishing ancient trade hub, is being revived with a new Greenfield port expected to become operational by end-2026, marking a major step in coastal infrastructure development.
Key Terms / Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Greenfield Port | A new port built from scratch on undeveloped land. |
| Landlord Model | A public-private partnership where the government owns the port infrastructure, and private players handle operations. |
| Dry Port | An inland terminal directly connected to a seaport by rail or road, facilitating cargo movement. |
| Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) | A separate legal entity created to execute a specific project—in this case, the Machilipatnam Port. |
What the NEWS says
- Machilipatnam, once an international trading port, is being revived with the construction of a new port at Manginapudi.
- Nearly 50% of the work is complete, and the port will start operations by 2026.
- Telangana is planning a dry port and freight corridor to connect with Machilipatnam for regional trade benefits.
- This revival aims to boost exports (coal, pharma, cement, etc.) and bring jobs and rising land prices to the region.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ancient Trade | Traded with Rome, China, Persia; exports included cotton, spices, elephants |
| Golconda Era | Known as Bandar-i-Mubarak; major hub under Qutb Shahi rulers |
| Cultural Diversity | Home to Mongols, Jews, Persians, Tamils, Dutch, French |
| Decline Causes | 1867 cyclone (~30,000 deaths), Mughal neglect, British shift to Madras |
| New Port Model | Landlord Model via SPV Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd |
| Location | Manginapudi, Andhra Pradesh |
| Economic Benefits | Container traffic, regional exports, job creation, real estate growth |
| Telangana Link | Planning a dry port and direct freight corridor for better connectivity |
In a nutshell
Mnemonic: MASULI-GROWTH
Maritime legacy
Ancient trade hub
SPV-led development
Unified freight corridor
Landlord model port
Investment inflow
GROWTH in exports, jobs, and regional economy
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which ancient Indian port was known as Bandar-i-Mubarak in Golconda records?
A) Lothal
B) Machilipatnam
C) Kaveripattinam
D) Bharuch - Under which model is the revived Machilipatnam port being developed?
A) BOT Model
B) EPC Model
C) Landlord Model
D) Corporate Lease Model - What was one major reason for the decline of Machilipatnam as a port?
A) Lack of trade interest from Europe
B) Frequent earthquakes
C) Cyclone of 1867 and British focus on Madras
D) Mughal port monopoly
Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the historical significance of Machilipatnam as a maritime trade center and evaluate the implications of its modern revival for regional development. (10 Marks)
- Discuss the advantages and challenges of port development under the Landlord Model in India. (15 Marks)
Prelims Answers and Explanations
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Machilipatnam was known as Bandar-i-Mubarak during Golconda rule. |
| 2 | C | The Greenfield port is being developed under the Landlord Model. |
| 3 | C | A devastating cyclone in 1867 and the British prioritization of Madras led to Machilipatnam’s decline. |
