A.P. is poised to become ‘eastern gateway of global logistics’, says official

Andhra Pradesh is well positioned to emerge as the ‘Eastern Gateway of Global Logistics’ as it has distinct advantages over other States backed by the government’s policy support, and that strategic importance was given to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), according to Special Chief Secretary (Roads & Buildings and Infrastructure & Investments) M.T. Krishna Babu. 

In a presentation on the theme ‘Global best logistics – Eastern gateway’ made at the Chief Minister’s meeting with Ministers and Secretaries on Monday, Mr. Krishna Babu said the government’s endeavour was to have the lowest logistics cost in India, for which a plan has been prepared, and efforts started to achieve that goal. 

He mentioned that the core objective was to integrate roads, ports, airports, and inland waterways into a seamless network that would not only help reduce logistics cost substantially but also ensure faster delivery of goods to domestic and international markets.

An AI- based logistics management system and Unified Logistics Interface Platform were being developed for adopting advanced technologies. 

Twelve high-traffic roads were being developed in PPP mode at a cost of nearly ₹7,780 crore. A total of 161 road projects covering 3,358 km were in the pipeline at a cost of ₹76,738 crore and they would be completed by the end of 2028. 

Mr. Krishna Babu said railway projects worth nearly ₹3.21 lakh crore covering 7,953 km were in various stages, and that the Bhogapuram International Airport (scheduled to become operational by June 2026) would give a major boost to the State’s aviation sector, along with nine greenfield airports under development. 

The State government focused on the development of shipbuilding and aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services. 

Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta and Kakinada Gateway ports were being developed at a total cost of ₹13,901 crore. The due emphasis was laid on improving agricultural logistics to support the food processing industries whose potential was largely untapped, Mr. Krishna Babu added.