Seeks over Rs 300 crores for various upgradation works

In  a recent meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Mr Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi Andhra Pradesh’s Information Technology & HRD Minister Mr Nara Lokesh urged him to give a thrust to the state’s crucial maritime infrastructure, port-led development, and water transport projects.

During the meeting, Minister Lokesh reiterated Andhra Pradesh’s request to expedite the development of the Duggiraja- patnam Major Port project, which was committed to Andhra Pradesh under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

The port, planned on 2,000 acres and backed by Rs 3,500 crore central investment, is expected to house a shipbuilding and repair hub.

Minister Lokesh apprised the Union Minister that, post-completion, the port will be capable of attracting investments worth Rs 26,000 crore and generating 5,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs, driving economic growth in Nellore district.

He further informed that technical studies are underway, with the state contributing land as equity under an SPV model aimed at attracting global partners and integrating with industrial corridors.

Minister Lokesh also discussed the progress of 110 Sagarmala projects worth Rs 1.14 lakh crore being implemented in Andhra Pradesh.

He highlighted that these projects, spread across coastal community development, port connectivity, port modernisation, coastal shipping, inland waterways, and port-led industriali- sation, are central to unlocking the state’s maritime potential.

The Minister went on to request Rs 200 crore in central support to upgrade wharfs, slipways, and incorporate green measures at Ramayapatnam, Machi- lipatnam, Mulapeta, and Kakinada Anchorage, while also seeking another Rs127.5 crore to establish new passenger routes, cargo terminals, RO-RO/RO-PAX facilities, and floating jetties on NW-4 (Godavari and Krishna rivers).