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**Andhra Pradesh Aims to Become Logistics Hub with Port Investments**

Visakhapatnam, June 21, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh is investing heavily in its port infrastructure and logistics networks to unlock its maritime potential and become a globally competitive logistics hub. At a Ports and Logistics Conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Visakhapatnam, government officials and industry leaders outlined ambitious plans to modernize infrastructure, improve connectivity, and attract investment.

Minister for Roads & Buildings, Infrastructure & Investments B.C Janardhan Reddy highlighted the sector’s importance, noting that ports contribute over 5% of the state’s GSDP and support nearly one million jobs. He announced investments exceeding ₹20,000 crore to improve connectivity through highways and railway lines, including the VCIC railway line.

D. Satyanarayana, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, emphasized that the state’s six operational ports and three new greenfield ports are being developed as part of integrated logistics and industrial corridors. These will be fully connected through road, rail, and multimodal networks.

M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, pointed out the untapped potential of the state’s ports, which are currently operating at 50% capacity. She stressed the need to develop the entire maritime value chain, including skilling, logistics, and shipbuilding.

Industry leaders called for modernizing coastal infrastructure, developing smart ports, and reducing logistics costs. They also emphasized the strategic importance of projects like the Dugarajapatnam shipbuilding cluster, which is expected to generate 35,000 jobs.

D.V.S. Narayana Raju, Chairman, CII Visakhapatnam, stated that Andhra Pradesh is now among the top three cargo-handling states in India.

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