AP moves ahead with infra projects worth Rs 1.5L cr

Amaravati: Principal Secretary, Infrastructure and Investment Department MT Krishna Babu has presented a comprehensive overview of major infrastructure projects and investment proposals at the 5th Collectors' Conference here.

He outlined the progress of 30 MoUs signed during the CII Partnership Summit, spanning ports, maritime infrastructure, aviation, and logistics sectors across the State.

The Principal Secretary informed that the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) has signed 20 MoUs with varying investment ranges. Of these, 7 proposals fall in the 0-1,000 crore range, 8 proposals are in the Rs1,001-5,000 crore category, 2 proposals are valued between Rs5,001-10,000 crore, and 3 major proposals exceed Rs10,000 crore each. Currently, 6 proposals are at the SIPC/RFP publishing stage, while 14 have progressed to subsequent implementation stages.

The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) has signed 10 MoUs covering aerospace manufacturing, aviation infrastructure, and flight training facilities. Five proposals are in the Rs501-1,000 crore range, while others span from smaller investments to those exceeding Rs10,000 crore.

Krishna Babu highlighted several landmark projects in coastal districts. In Srikakulam, the Mulapeta Port will be developed with a target capacity of 100 MMTPA and 1 million TEUs by FY32, with long-term potential to evolve into a 300 MMTPA mega port by 2047. A 1,000-acre mega shipbuilding, ship repair, and ancillary manufacturing cluster will be established near Mulapeta Port, with RFP to be floated within 2 weeks. Additionally, a 400-acre multi-modal logistics park with planned cargo handling capacity of 35-50 MMTPA is being developed. The Kakinada-Srikakulam gas pipeline's remaining 150-175 km stretch of the total 290-300 km is in process, though a case is pending in Delhi High Court.

In Vizianagaram, GMR-VIAL will invest Rs20,000 crore in aviation infrastructure development. An exhibition cum convention center is being established at the upcoming Bhogapuram Aerocity.

For Visakhapatnam, plans include expanding Gangavaram Port from 64 to 100 MMTPA by 2032, with container capacity increasing from 0.6 to 1 million TEUs. The State is working to attract 4-5 cruise liners to add Visakhapatnam to their itineraries and plans to start static and short-duration cruises with onboard dining and cultural shows.

Maritime skill development initiatives are being pursued through ISTC and IMU Visakhapatnam, with CEMS Visakhapatnam facility to be initiated.

In Anakapalli, a 400-acre multi-modal logistics park with 35-50 MMTPA cargo handling capacity is under DPR preparation. AMNS will establish a captive port with Rs4,735 crore investment, currently awaiting security clearance and land survey. NTPC's captive port project worth approximately Rs1,000 crore has DPR in progress.

The Pudimadaka fishing harbour construction worth Rs393 crore will soon have tenders called