Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates ₹32 crore CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) Shore-Based Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam.

Key facts

• The CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) Shore-Based Regional Centre was inaugurated by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at Visakhapatnam.
• The facility cost ₹32 crore and is located on 3.25 acres of a 4-acre campus at Yendada Village, Rushikonda.
• Construction began in November 2024 and was completed by December 2025, executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
• The built-up area is 4,550 square metres in a G+1 configuration.
• Andhra Pradesh’s coastline exceeds 1,000 km, forming part of India’s nearly 11,000–12,000 km coastline.
• The Eastern Coastal Margin is noted for hydrocarbons, seabed minerals, oil and natural gas potential due to heavy sediment deposits from Himalayan rivers.
• CSIR-NIO collaborates with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Oil India and supports sectors including pharmaceuticals, ports, thermal power projects and fisheries.
• The centre identifies potential fishing zones, promotes seaweed cultivation and predicts harmful algal blooms to aid livelihoods and public health.
• The Visakhapatnam facility will serve as a hub for capacity building, skill training and nurturing startups for the marine sector.