14-05-2025
Shipbuilding and repair cluster to be established in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
DoneVijayawada: A shipbuilding and repair cluster will be established at Dugarajapatnam in Nellore district, in a major fillip to the industrial sector in the initial feasibility report has been prepared for the establishment of the cluster—a promise made in the AP Bifurcation Act, 2014.
According to the feasibility report, the cluster will come up on 2,000 acres through central and state govt plan includes setting up a greenfield port integrated with a shipbuilding and repair hub featuring four dry docks, outfitting jetties, and a ship-lift facility. Of the 2,000 acres, 1,000 acres will be allocated for core shipbuilding units and the other 1,000 acres for ancillary industries. The estimated central investment for the project is 3,500 crore, and the govt of Andhra Pradesh will contribute land as equity.A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed for implementation and attracting leading global players in the shipbuilding sector. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu chaired a meeting with officials from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, including the secretary TK Ramachandran. The discussions focused on fast-tracking port infrastructure and maritime development projects in Andhra officials informed the CM that the project is expected to bring 26,000 crore in investments over the next five years and can generate direct employment for 5,000 people and create indirect employment for approximately 30,000 more. Naidu instructed officials to formulate a detailed action plan to take the project forward. Other ongoing port and coastal development initiatives were also reviewed during the Naidu urged central officials to make cargo movement via Visakhapatnam Port more cost-effective, recognizing it as a key strategic asset for the CM was also briefed on emerging opportunities in cruise tourism. He directed officials to explore river cruise circuits in picturesque regions like Polavaram, Srisailam, and Nagarjuna Sagar to boost tourism and local economies.
