CITU opposes privatisation of Ramayapatnam Port
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has vehemently opposed the Andhra Pradesh government's plan to privatise Ramayapatnam Port through a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. The CITU, alongside allied organisations, convened a round-table discussion in Ongole on Tuesday to strategise a counteraction against the proposed privatisation.
The state government has issued tenders by October 5, 2026, prompting the CITU to announce a protest at Ongole Collectorate on September 30, 2026. CITU state general secretary Ch. Narasing Rao highlighted that the port, capable of handling 34.04 million tonnes of cargo annually with four berths, has the potential for expansion to 19 berths.
Once operational, it will significantly impact Prakasam district. Rao alleged that the government's privatisation of the port, which has already acquired 850 acres for the first phase and is procuring an additional 2,924 acres in the second phase, will benefit private investors. Notably, 80.55% of the port's construction has been completed, yet the government is pursuing privatisation at a time when it could generate substantial revenues.
Rao questioned the government's motives behind this move, asking who would benefit from the privatisation.
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