Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s commitment to making AP a global logistics hub under the vision of Swarnandhra-2047. Addressing industry leaders at the East Coast Maritime and Logistics Summit, he said the state’s 1,053 km-long coastline is a natural asset that will be fully leveraged to boost maritime trade.
“We are planning a port every 50 km along the coast. AP already has six operational ports and four more under construction, which we will complete by 2046. The aim is to make AP the logistics leader on the East Coast,” Naidu said.
Highlighting AP’s connectivity, the CM said the state has a strong advantage across air, sea, rail, and road logistics. “Railway connectivity is highly favourable, and air cargo has huge potential. With our strategic corridors like Vizag–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, and Hyderabad–Bengaluru, our market is not limited to Andhra Pradesh alone,” he said.
Naidu also underlined AP’s prominence in exports. “We are number one in pharma and aqua exports, and agricultural exports are growing fast. We are currently the second-largest handler of sea cargo in India,” he noted, urging industry stakeholders to invest in air cargo facilities.
The CM pointed out the state’s regional advantage for trade. “Telangana is asking us to develop a port and wants to connect Machilipatnam with a dry port. Chhattisgarh has no option but to come to Visakhapatnam. Even Maharashtra wants Godavari inland waterways linked with them. Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are also keen to connect with AP,” he said.
Emphasising sustainability, Naidu said the government is working on a circular economy model and net-zero goals by integrating Swachh Bharat and Swachh Andhra initiatives. “We need an integrated logistics system connecting ports, airports, roads, railways, and inland waterways. With over 1,500 km of inland water transport routes, AP has a clear advantage,” he added.
Naidu proposed forming an industry advisory body that would meet every six months to review progress and frame policies for logistics and port development. “The future holds vast opportunities in logistics, especially for agritech and food processing. Let’s work together to make Andhra Pradesh the number one state in South India,” he said.