From Our Correspondent
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh is actively considering proposals for shipbuilding and ship-breaking units as part of its coastal development strategy, State Minister for Investments and Infrastructure B.C. Janardhan Reddy told the Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to questions raised by MLAs Nadikudi Eswara Rao, Kamineni Srinivas, and Konathala Ramakrishna, the minister said the proposals are currently under examination by the Central Government’s Maritime Boards.
He underlined Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of ensuring that every 50 km along the coastline has either a port or a fishing harbour, to generate large-scale employment and livelihood opportunities in coastal districts.
Consultations and Proposals
The minister informed the House that consultations are underway with several companies to identify locations where units such as shipbuilding or ship-breaking would be commercially viable. He assured members that their suggestions on these proposals would be taken into consideration.
Fishing Harbours Development
On the status of fishing harbours, Reddy said Phase 2 of the programme currently includes the construction of six new fishing harbours. The Centre has approved an outlay of ₹361 crore per harbour, but he noted that in local conditions such high-cost projects may not be viable.
For instance, at Budagatlapalem, the project was redesigned with a budget of ₹186 crore, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) already completed. Tenders for the project will be called shortly, he said.
Under Phase 1, work on four major fishing harbours has progressed significantly: Juvvaladinne (97%), Nizampatnam (81%), Machilipatnam (70%), and Uppada (83%). The minister assured the Assembly that all pending works will be completed soon.
Employment Focus
Emphasising the government’s approach, Reddy said the primary objective behind these projects is to boost employment and livelihood opportunities in coastal Andhra Pradesh, while also laying the foundation for industrial growth through marine-based infrastructure.