The Bandar port in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is set to be revived after years of obstacles that impeded its construction were finally cleared. The port, with over 2,000 years of historical significance in terms of imports and exports, will bring back the glory of the Machilipatnam area, fulfilling the people's long-cherished dream. The Machilipatnam port construction works will commence this month, with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy formally laying the foundation stone on May 22. Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (MPDCL) will undertake the port's construction, which is purely state-funded, and heavy machinery and other construction-related materials are already deployed at the construction site. Under Phase 1, the port will have a handling capacity of 35 MPA.

The Machilipatnam Port is being constructed in two phases, with four berths to be constructed under Phase 1, including two general cargo berths, one coal berth, and another multipurpose/container handling berth. The port will be constructed over an area of 1,922 acres, and the construction duration is 30 months. If the port is constructed, fertilizers, coal, edible oil, and containers will be imported, and agricultural products, cement, cement clinker, granite blocks, and iron ore will be exported through this port.

Despite the state government's efforts to start Machilipatnam port works, people have mixed opinions and feelings due to past experiences. Previous attempts to lay the foundation stone for port works were unsuccessful. Former CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy laid the foundation stone in April 2008, and the then CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for port works in March 2019, but the work did not commence.

People are expressing doubts about whether the work will start this time or not, as it is an election year, similar to the previous ones. However, with all obstacles cleared and the state government's commitment to the project, there is hope that the Machilipatnam port construction will finally come to fruition, reviving the Bandar port's historical significance and bringing economic growth to the region.