Restored harbour lighthouse sans lantern to be inaugurated tomorrow

The Visakhapatnam Port Trust has taken the lead in restoring the structure of its iconic harbour lighthouse and the restored landmark is set to be inaugurated on Friday.

The restoration of the lighthouse signals the importance the State government is giving to maritime trade. The Government is looking at logistics to play a catalytic role in bringing about double digit growth to the State economy as part of which Visakhapatnam Port plays a key role as a gateway to the East. Under the guidance of well-known conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, the 59-foot round tower with gallery and lantern has been given a makeover. However, the port has not been able to get a lantern and the restored structure would be without a lantern.

The iconic building that was a transit line lighthouse directing the ships into the harbour channel went out of service in 1962. The building was plastered over and the stairs inside had collapsed. The yard had become a garbage dump for the neighbourhood.

Original glory

The Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited took the responsibility of restoring the structure to its original glory and after some painstaking work over the last two years has made it stand out. It has a shining new dome and the gallery is complete with a proper parapet. The structure itself is brick red reflecting its historical value. The yard has been converted into a well-maintained garden.

The restored icon is scheduled to be inaugurated by Visakhapatnam Port Trust Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by G. S. Subrahmanyam / Visakhapatnam – June 25th, 2015