Amaravati, Mar 16 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh is set to emerge as an East-West cargo corridor, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said here on Monday.
Naidu, after reviewing operations of key ports and fishing harbours across the state here, directed that cargo handling operations should commence swiftly at the newly constructed Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, and Ramayapatnam ports.
He also emphasised accelerating the construction of second-phase fishing harbours at Budigatlapalem, Puddimadaka, and Kothapatnam.
During the review at the Secretariat, officials were instructed to ensure smooth cargo transport from these ports to the hinterlands of neighbouring states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. Machilipatnam and Ramayapatnam ports are expected to be operational by December 2026.
The CM noted that the upcoming Bharat Petroleum refinery will enable Ramayapatnam to handle both container and bulk cargo.
A dedicated rail route from Ramayapatnam to the Kadapa Steel Plant has also been approved, he added.
The Chief Minister further suggested establishing port townships near the three ports to boost commercial activity, along with developing industrial corridors in the surrounding areas.
Highlighting the strategic advantage, he said that with ports and fishing harbours planned every 50 kilometres along the coast, Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a major logistics hub on the East Coast.
The state’s ports are now considered safer alternatives for cargo transport compared to Dubai and other Gulf countries affected by ongoing conflicts.
The review was attended by Special Chief Secretary of Investments and Infrastructure Krishna Babu and Mari Maritime Board CEO Abhishek Kumar.
TNT KM
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