AP mulling developing 20 ports to reduce logistics cost

Andhra Pradesh Government is contemplating building 20 ports and several new airports across the State.

Significant operations are already underway from the existing ports and airports. The government is proposing to develop old and new ports and airports into economic hubs.

At a review meeting here, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed the officials to explore establishing Logistics Corporation to handle cargo transport for Andhra Pradesh as well as neighbouring States to slash logistics cost.

He suggested that all cargo transport, including that through ports, airports, roads, railways, and inland waterways, be managed by this corporation.

"We should develop satellite townships connected to all the ports and airports. This will lead to the growth of new regions, expansion of economic activity, and wealth creation. We must prepare a blueprint on where and how such integrated development can be implemented,” he stated.

Naidu said: “At the same time, special attention must be paid to cargo transport. Andhra Pradesh should serve as the hub for road, rail, air cargo, inland, and maritime cargo networks. This will enable cost-effective transportation of goods. For goods movement between northern and southern states, AP is geographically central. If all forms of cargo transport are made available here, development will accelerate. Ports and airports should be connected to national highways and railway networks."

The Chief Minister pointed out that roads must be pothole-free. Inland waterway connectivity should also be developed to facilitate higher cargo movement from the state. The Centre has no shortage of funds for national highways and railways. "If we prepare proposals and submit them, they are ready to provide funding. We must make full use of this opportunity,” he told the officials.

The Chief Minister stressed that suitable agencies should be identified for developing satellite townships near ports and airports under the PPP model. The Logistics Corporation should act as a growth engine for the state’s economic development. Similarly, plans should be made to develop satellite townships near MSME parks being set up in all 175 constituencies.