Andhra Pradesh was represented by Minister BC Janardhan Reddy in the fourth National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting, which took place in Delhi. Key figures such as Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Roads, Transport & Highways, Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and a number of chief ministers, ministers, and senior officials from coastal states attended the meeting, which was presided over by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
The significance of the Central government’s involvement in bringing coastal States together for the growth of India’s maritime industry was emphasized by Minister Janardhan Reddy during the conference. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration for the maritime sector’s strong infrastructure development and expansion, which have established India as a major maritime force in the world.
Andhra Pradesh’s dedication to developing into India’s marine center was emphasized by Janardhan Reddy. The State intends to boost its economy to a $1 trillion GDP by 2047 and establish itself as a major international marine hub under the Swarna Andhra @ 2047 project. He also praised Chandrababu Naidu’s efforts in putting important policies into place that will help Andhra Pradesh’s maritime industry grow.
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.
