Lokesh seeks fast-track approval for BPCL mega refinery, highway projects in AP

Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics and Education Nara Lokesh on Monday urged the Union Government for fast-track clearance of mega refinery by BPCL at Ramayapatnam in Nellore district and major highway expansion, urban mobility projects including Kuppam-Bengaluru-Chennai Industrial Corridor in the State.

During his meeting with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Delhi, he sought the Centre’s support for BPCL refinery at Ramayapatnam, pushed for its early implementation and discussed fast-tracking critical projects in the State and strengthening collaboration on energy security and welfare.

During the meeting, Lokesh strongly pitched for the BPCL refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Ramayapatnam,, a long-standing promise under Section 93(4) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

The ₹95,000 crore project, coming up on 6,000 acres, is expected to generate over 5,000 direct jobs and accelerate industrialisation. Lokesh underlined that the move will create local jobs, encourage MSME partnerships, and strengthen maritime infrastructure along Andhra’s coast.

On the welfare front, Minister Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s Deepam 2.0 scheme, which provides free LPG cylinders to eligible families, empowering women and BPL households. The State is working to integrate Deepam 2.0 with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), ensuring wider coverage and efficient delivery, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing indoor air pollution.

During his meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, he focused on building seamless connectivity, city decongestion a nd infrastructure that can accelerate AP's growth momentum.

A major highlight of the Lokesh-Gadkari meeting was the discussion on the Kuppam-Hosur-Bengaluru greenfield highway which needs Rs.3 000 crore to lay 56-km long road. Lokesh also wanted early approval and direct linkage to the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (NE-7).

Lokesh underlined the need for revival efforts in the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA) region, spanning 1,051 sq km including plans for a major industrial park to boost investment and employment. He urged Gadkari's support for immediate widening of NH-65 (Kanuru-Machilipatnam 59.8 km- stretch)to play a key role in seamless Amaravati-Hyderabad connectivity while opening up additional port linkages.He also held separate discussions with BJP national president and Health Minister JP Nadda, Exernal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and others.