CM stresses fast-track completion of projects

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure that industrial projects approved in the state are executed on a fast-track basis, emphasizing that approvals under the “Speed of Doing Business” model must translate into equally rapid grounding of projects.

Chairing the 10th meeting of the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) at the Secretariat on Thursday, the Chief Minister cleared 30 major projects worth Rs.53,922 crore, which are expected to generate 83,437 direct jobs across Andhra Pradesh. Naidu underlined that the state government would conduct monthly reviews of all sanctioned projects, while ministers would personally inspect progress at the ground level.

“Industries coming to Andhra Pradesh must be grounded quickly. Any delays must be identified and resolved by engaging directly with company representatives. We are moving with speed in approvals, and the same speed must reflect in execution,” Naidu said. He also revealed that he is personally in talks with Mahindra Group to bring an EV manufacturing plant to the state.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural foundation, Naidu said food processing industries will play a crucial role in value addition, farmer income, and rural employment. He pointed out that Rayalaseema could emerge as a horticulture hub, while districts like Chittoor and Annamaiah, already known for mango processing, showcase the sector’s potential.

The Chief Minister urged officials to initiate discussions with leading companies to attract large-scale investments in this sector, noting that neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka lack comparable food processing ecosystems. Calling for the rapid rollout of MSME parks across all Assembly constituencies by November 15, Naidu said they should function like “business centers” to foster a strong ecosystem. Farmers and landowners will also be made stakeholders in these parks to ensure shared income opportunities.

He further directed that industrial parks be mapped constituency-wise at mega and medium scales, linked with Ratan Tata Innovation Hubs, and developed under standard guidelines. Naidu also reviewed the challenges faced by red and orange category industries in Autonagar clusters and instructed immediate action to resolve pending approvals.

Stating that industrial diversification is key for AP, he said investments must flow into energy, IT, tourism, food processing, and mining-based value chain industries. He also stressed the need for co-working spaces and work-from-home infrastructure in the IT sector. In addition, several hospitality ventures including EN.Com Vizag Hotel, Manjeera Hospitality (Amaravati), and Sri Venkateswara Lodge (Mantralayam) received approvals.

In a strong statement, Naidu criticized the previous government for allegedly hurting the sanctity of Tirumala Hills by allotting land adjacent to the temple for hotel construction. He said the new government, keeping devotees’ sentiments in mind, had identified alternative land. He dismissed ongoing allegations as false propaganda.