Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 Concludes in Visakhapatnam

The two-day Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 concluded in Visakhapatnam with a renewed focus on maritime heritage, coastal culture, and lighthouse-led tourism. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the festival transformed Visakhapatnam into a beacon of India’s coastal identity, highlighting how cultural engagement and infrastructure development can strengthen maritime awareness and local livelihoods.

Visakhapatnam Showcases Maritime Heritage

Addressing the valedictory session, Sarbananda Sonowal said the festival exceeded expectations through vibrant performances, local crafts, coastal cuisine, fashion presentations, and illuminated night-time events. He noted that strong public participation by families, youth, artists, students, and entrepreneurs made the festival inclusive and reflective of India’s diverse coastal traditions.

Lighthouse Museum and Tourism Expansion Plans

The Union Minister announced the development of Andhra Pradesh’s first Lighthouse Museum in Visakhapatnam, envisioned as a hub for maritime education, heritage preservation, and tourism promotion. Building on the success of developing 75 lighthouses as tourist destinations, the government now plans to add 25 more nationwide, with a special focus on Andhra Pradesh. An MoU was exchanged between the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships for the museum, with land allocated at the Old Lighthouse area within port premises.

Safety, Inland Waterways and New Initiatives

Sonowal announced multiple initiatives to strengthen maritime safety and inland navigation. Four new lighthouses will be constructed along National Waterway–2 on the Brahmaputra in Assam at Bogibeel, Silghat, Pandu, and Biswanathghat. He also virtually inaugurated a light and sound projection mapping show at Aguada Lighthouse in Goa and laid the foundation stone for reconstruction of staff quarters at Junglighat in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Indian Lighthouse Festival is organised by DGLL under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• India has over 11,000 km of coastline and 205 operational lighthouses.
• National Waterway–2 corresponds to the Brahmaputra river system.
• Lighthouse tourism aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Port Projects and Maritime Infrastructure Boost

On the sidelines of the festival, Sonowal launched ₹230-crore infrastructure projects at Visakhapatnam Port, including fire-fighting upgrades at the LPG berth, ORS Dry Dock modernisation, a new administrative office building, and residential apartments for port employees. He also announced the India Ship Technology Centre under India Maritime University, reinforcing Visakhapatnam’s role as a modern maritime gateway on India’s eastern coast.