Develpment of Port to boost industrial growth

Hyderabad: Development of Vadarevu and Nizampatnam ports and industrial corridor in the coastal area of Prakasam and Guntur districts will boost the industrial growth and create employment opportunities, according to Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Reviewing the ‘Vadarevu and Nizampatnam Ports and Industrial Corridor’ (VANPIC) project with the Finance Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah and the developers of the project, the Chief Minister said these projects need to be expedited as they would help attract more industries. In a statement, Dr Reddy said unlike the coastal regions of Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and Nellore that were already witnessing tremendous progress, Prakasam and Guntur districts are lagging behind. Through these projects, it would provide more employment opportunities and improve economic activity.

The Chief Minister said there is scope in the backward regions of Prakasam and Guntur districts to woo companies in the pharmaceuticals, textiles and ship building sectors.

He directed officials to expedite the land acquisition process for setting up of the hinterland of both the ports. The developers were asked to provide training for boys and girls at the industrial training centre.

The VANPIC project is being developed by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Emirates of UAE, with their Indian partner, Matrix Enport Holdings Pvt Ltd.

The Vetapalem and Chinnaganjam mandals in Prakasam district and the Nizampatnam, P.V. Palem, Karlapalem and Bapatla mandals in Guntur district are covered by this project.

Besides the port, the Vadarevu cluster would have a power plant, textile and apparel park, automobile and auto components park. The Nizampatnam cluster would include besides the port, a power plant, pharma park, textile and apparel park, agro and marine park.

Each of the ports would also have a multi-product park, township, common services and utilities, green belt, recreational and conservation areas. These ports would be developed in 2,000 acres each, excluding the hinterland for which the actual requirement is being finalised.