AP aims to develop into key global maritime centre: Minister

Minister BC Janardhan Reddy represented Andhra Pradesh at the fourth National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting held in Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and attended by key leaders including Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Roads, Transport & Highways, Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and several chief ministers, ministers and senior officials from coastal States.
During the meeting, Minister Janardhan Reddy stressed the importance of the Central government’s role in uniting coastal States for the development of India’s maritime sector. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the robust infrastructure development and growth of the maritime industry, which has positioned India as a global maritime powerhouse.
Janardhan Reddy highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to becoming India’s maritime hub. Under the Swarna Andhra @ 2047 initiative, the State aims to develop into a key global maritime centre while growing its economy to a $1 trillion GDP by 2047. He also acknowledged the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu in implementing crucial measures for the development of Andhra Pradesh’s maritime sector.
The State is investing Rs 17,000 crore to develop four greenfield ports at Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, Kakinada and Mulapet. Additionally, Rs 3,520 crore is allocated to develop ten fishing harbours in the region. Reddy stressed the need for skilled labour in the maritime industry and announced the establishment of a skill development centre at the Ramayapatnam Port, for which technical approval has been received from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
Andhra Pradesh is also working on its State Maritime Waterways Master Plan (SMWMP) and has identified several projects under the Sagarmala program. Janardhan Reddy requested the Central government’s support in funding these projects to further the development of the State’s maritime sector.
In addition to his participation in the NSAC meeting, Minister Janardhan Reddy presented a memorandum to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal requesting the establishment of a greenfield port and shipbuilding centre in the Motupalli-Pedaganjam area of Bapatla district. He stressed that this initiative would not only boost regional development, but also create significant employment opportunities for the local youth.
Before the meeting, Janardhan Reddy also held discussions with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Karnataka Ports Minister MS Yediyurappa regarding ongoing efforts to enhance port development in their respective States.
Andhra Pradesh’s Secretary of Investments and Infrastructure, Yuvraj, AP Maritime Board Chairman Damacharla Sathya and Maritime Board CEO Praveen Aditya were also present.