Andhra Pradesh to emerge as steel powerhouse with global investments: CM Naidu
Kadapa, July 3 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the state is poised to emerge as India’s next steel powerhouse with major investments from JSW Steel, ArcelorMittal and the revival of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
Launching the construction of the JSW Rayalaseema Steel Plant at Sunnapurallapalle in YSR Kadapa district, Naidu said the project marked the beginning of a new era of industrialisation in Rayalaseema.
He also inaugurated the JSW Neo Energy Solar Captive Power Project and virtually launched the JSW Industrial Park in Vizianagaram district.
The Chief Minister said the Rayalaseema Steel Plant would be developed in two phases with an investment of Rs 16,350 crore and an annual production capacity of two million tonnes.
The project, along with the captive renewable energy facility, is expected to generate about 2,700 direct jobs.
He said JSW Neo Energy would establish a 3,850 MW solar and wind power project at an investment of Rs 20,350 crore to supply green energy to the steel plant.
In addition, the company will develop a 1,166-acre industrial park in Vizianagaram district with an investment of Rs 531 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Naidu said the people of Rayalaseema had waited for decades for a steel plant and the promise had finally been fulfilled under the coalition government.
He said the region had transformed into a hub for horticulture, rare minerals, automobiles, electric mobility, defence manufacturing, electronics and renewable energy.
The Chief Minister said the proposed plant would produce steel entirely using green energy and recalled that his government had secured Rs 11,440 crore in Central financial assistance for the revival of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
He also highlighted the proposed Rs 1.35 lakh crore ArcelorMittal steel plant in Anakapalle.
Naidu said the state government would provide all necessary infrastructure, including water, road, rail and port connectivity, to support the upcoming steel projects.
He also announced that the Rehabilitation and Resettlement package for Gandikota project oustees would be released shortly and reiterated the government’s commitment to irrigation and drinking water projects in Rayalaseema.
He said the proposed Global Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle would be launched before August 15 and that investments worth Rs 40,000 crore under the Purvodaya programme and Rs 60,000 crore in private investments would strengthen the region’s horticulture ecosystem.
JSW Group Chairman and Managing Director Sajjan Jindal described Naidu as one of India’s rare visionary leaders capable of thinking decades ahead.
He announced that JSW plans to expand the Rayalaseema Steel Plant beyond its initial capacity and invest nearly Rs 50,000 crore across Andhra Pradesh, creating employment opportunities for about 50,000 people.
Union Minister Srinivasa Varma, State Ministers S. Savitha and Gottipati Ravi Kumar, BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, MLA Adinarayana Reddy and other dignitaries were present.
TNT KM
