Andhra Pradesh Aims To Become South Asia's Logistics Gateway: Minister BC Janardhan Reddy

(MENAFN- KNN India) Amaravati, Jun 21 (KNN) Andhra Pradesh is advancing with a focused strategy to position itself as South Asia's premier logistics gateway, Minister for Roads and Buildings, Infrastructure and Investments, BC Janardhan Reddy, said on Friday.

Speaking at the Ports and Logistics Conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Visakhapatnam, the Minister highlighted the state's commitment to strengthening its port ecosystem, multimodal logistics integration, and last-mile connectivity.

The conference served as a platform to discuss the evolving role of ports in regional development and economic transformation.

Minister Reddy noted that Andhra Pradesh's ports now contribute over 5 per cent to the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), directly and indirectly supporting nearly one million jobs.

In FY 2024–25, Visakhapatnam Port alone handled 82.62 million tonnes of cargo, while Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram ports together accounted for over 54 million tonnes-demonstrating strong growth and rising private sector participation.

To reduce logistics costs and boost competitiveness, the state government is investing over Rs 20,000 crore in infrastructure development.

This includes the construction of 1,040 km of new highways and key corridors such as the Badvel–Nellore route and the Visakhapatnam–Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) rail line.

“Andhra Pradesh wants to cut logistics costs by half with this Rs 20,000 crore infrastructure push,” the Minister stated.

D. Satyanarayana, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, outlined the state's integrated port-led development model, anchored by six operational ports and three upcoming greenfield ports at Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, and Bhavanapadu.

These are being developed in tandem with industrial corridors and are fully integrated with road, rail, and multimodal transport networks.

Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairperson M. Angamuthu emphasised that Andhra Pradesh's strategic location, proactive governance, and existing port infrastructure provide a strong foundation for transforming the state into a maritime entrepreneurship hub.

He pointed out that many major ports in the state are currently operating at just 50 per cent capacity, signalling substantial untapped potential.

CII Chairman G. Murali Krishna added that ports today serve not only as trade facilitators but also as strategic assets that influence diplomacy, employment, and regional development.

He noted that Andhra Pradesh's balanced economy and attractive policy incentives have already drawn Rs 9.2 lakh crore in investments, reinforcing its emergence as a key logistics and industrial powerhouse.

(KNN Bureau)

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