Andhra Pradesh Greenlights Major Maritime Projects in Tirupati District
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially approved the establishment of a greenfield port and a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam in Tirupati district. This significant decision, announced on Friday, involves the acquisition of 2,000 acres of land and is part of the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). Special Chief Secretary of the Infrastructure & Investment (Ports) Department, MT Krishna Babu, confirmed the government’s endorsement through a formal government order.
The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) will spearhead the development of these projects, which aim to enhance the state’s maritime capabilities. To facilitate this, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established, involving collaboration between the MoPSW and the Andhra Pradesh government. This SPV will be supported by various entities within the southern state, including the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). The APMB will partner with the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) to form a 50:50 SPV, ensuring equal representation from both the state government and VPT on the board of directors.
Strategic Goals and Future Prospects
The greenfield port and shipbuilding cluster are designed to bolster India’s maritime industry, with a specific focus on achieving a shipbuilding output of 4.5 million gross tonnage (GT) per year by 2030. This ambitious target is part of the Government of India’s broader Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 initiatives. Currently, India’s shipbuilding capacity stands at a mere 0.01 million GT per annum, highlighting the substantial growth potential within the sector.
The proposed projects will include the construction of an anchor shipyard capable of producing 0.5 million GT annually, with a target to reach this capacity within ten years of commissioning. The development will be coordinated by both VPT and APMB, ensuring a streamlined approach to project execution. Additionally, the state government has authorized the maritime board to select a partner for the shipyard’s development, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of this initiative.
As India aims to position itself among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047, these projects in Andhra Pradesh represent a crucial step toward realizing that vision. The establishment of the greenfield port and shipbuilding cluster not only promises to enhance local infrastructure but also aims to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
