B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand on Thursday to discuss the Purvodaya scheme and the development of the Visakhapatnam Growth Hub. During the meeting, Subrahmanyam emphasized the potential for a mega container port in the state and called for a formal report to guide its development.
Speaking on the occasion, Subrahmanyam noted that Andhra Pradesh is ahead of the fastest-growing States along India’s Eastern Coast. “There are significant opportunities for further development of the coastal region under the Purvodaya scheme,” he said. He highlighted the need for a container megaport in the state, pointing out that while Andhra Pradesh has several ports, a large-scale container facility would further boost trade and economic growth.
Subrahmanyam requested Chief Secretary Vijayanand to prepare a detailed report, which would enable him to present Andhra Pradesh’s innovative development initiatives at the upcoming Chief Secretaries’ meeting.
The discussion also covered the development benefits of growth corridors in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati. Chief Secretary Vijayanand confirmed that a special officer would be appointed to expedite the work of the Visakhapatnam Growth Hub. He added that the state government is actively pursuing multiple projects and industries, while ensuring timely sanction of central funds for various initiatives.
Highlighting the significance of the Purvodaya scheme, Subrahmanyam explained that it is an innovative initiative by the Central Government across five Eastern States — Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar — aimed at making Eastern India a key driver of national progress. The scheme focuses on leveraging cultural heritage and natural resources, creating infrastructure, generating employment, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The meeting was attended by NITI Aayog Additional CEO Parthasarathy Reddy, Principal Secretary Finance and Planning Piyush Kumar, Secretary Education K. Shashidhar, Secretary Finance V. Vinay Chand, Joint Secretary Planning Ananth Shankar, and MD Skill Development G. Ganesh Kumar.