Babu plans to develop AP as East–West Cargo Corridor

The port is expected to develop into a major hub for both container and bulk cargo handling

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to transform the state into a major East-West cargo corridor by strengthening port infrastructure and accelerating cargo handling operations across newly developed ports.

During a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of ports and fishing harbours in the state and emphasised the need to quickly operationalise newly constructed ports. He specifically instructed officials to ensure that cargo handling operations begin at the upcoming ports of Mulapeta, Machilipatnam and Ramayapatnam at the earliest.

According to officials, construction work at Machilipatnam and Ramayapatnam ports is expected to be completed by December 2026. Once operational, these ports are expected to significantly enhance Andhra Pradesh’s role in maritime trade by facilitating cargo movement not only within the state but also from the hinterland regions of neighbouring states including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Karnataka.

Naidu also highlighted that the Ramayapatnam port would gain strategic importance once the refinery proposed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited becomes operational in the region. The Chief Minister said the port is expected to develop into a major hub for both container and bulk cargo handling.

To further strengthen logistics connectivity, Naidu noted that the Railway Ministry has already approved plans for a dedicated railway link between Ramayapatnam port and the proposed Kadapa Steel Plant. This connectivity is expected to facilitate the smooth movement of raw materials and finished goods between the industrial hub and the port. The Chief Minister also suggested developing port townships near the three ports to boost commercial activity and support economic growth in the surrounding areas. He added that industrial corridors could emerge around these ports, creating opportunities for large-scale investments and employment generation.

In addition to port development, Naidu directed officials to accelerate the second phase of fishing harbour construction in Budagatlapalem, Pudimadaka and Kothapatnam. He said the state’s long coastline provides enormous potential for strengthening the fisheries sector and maritime economy.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister said the state aims to develop ports and fishing harbours at intervals of about every 50 kilometres along the coastline, which would transform Andhra Pradesh into a major logistics hub on India’s east coast.

Naidu also noted that global geopolitical tensions and disruptions in ports across the Gulf region have increased the strategic importance of India’s eastern coastline. He urged officials to leverage this opportunity and ensure that Andhra Pradesh’s ports emerge as game-changers in cargo handling and maritime trade.

The review meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary for Infrastructure and Investments Krishna Babu and CEO of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board Abhishek Kumar, among other officials.