Chandrababu Naidu says

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a strategic plan on Tuesday to develop a port-based economy by leveraging Andhra Pradesh’s extensive 1,000-km long coastline.

The Chief Minister held a comprehensive review meeting in the Secretariat with officials from the Port Department, shipping and waterways, including Union Secretary TK Ramachandran and senior state officials.

Mr Naidu stressed that the state will work to establish ports or fishing ports every 50 kilometers to stimulate economic growth, employment and infrastructure development. The focus of the meeting was on fast tracking of port infrastructure and offshore development projects.

Shipbuilding hub

Mr Naidu discussed the commitment of the central government’s fork era, an initiative aimed at establishing ship building and maintenance clusters in Dugarajapatnam in the Nellor region. Based on the initial feasibility report, the project recommends the development of more than 2,000 acres of land through cooperation between the central and state governments.

The plan includes the establishment of a green port that integrates a shipbuilding and maintenance center with four dry docks, equipment docks and a ship-mounted facility. Of the 2,000 acres of land, 1,000 acres will be allocated for the core shipyard, while the other 1,000 acres of auxiliary industries will be allocated to auxiliary industries. The estimated central investment for the project is Rs 35 billion, with the Andhra Pradesh government contributing the land with fair contribution.

To implement the project, dedicated vehicles (SPVs) will be formed to attract leading global players in the shipbuilding industry. Officials told the chief minister that the project is expected to bring in a total investment of Rs 260,000 crore, generate direct employment for 5,000 people and create about 30,000 indirect employment.

Mr Naidu directed officials to immediately develop a detailed action plan to advance the project. Other ongoing port and coastal development plans were also reviewed during the meeting. The Chief Minister also urged central officials to transport goods through the Visakhapatnam port to be more cost-effective and considered it a key strategic asset for the state.

Against the backdrop of emerging opportunities in cruise tourism, the Chief Minister directed officials to explore river cruise circuits in picturesque areas such as Doravaram, Srisiram and Nagarjuna Sagar to promote tourism and local economies.