AP, Maharashtra Explore Maritime Partnership and Port Development

Maharashtra has expressed interest in Andhra Pradesh’s new maritime policy and its strategy for port-led development. Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane appreciated the initiatives being undertaken in the State in areas such as greenfield ports, fishing harbours, shipbuilding and logistics. Rane met Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Thursday, where the two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the maritime and port sectors.

During the meeting, Andhra Pradesh officials explained the State’s plans for greenfield ports, fishing harbours, fish landing centres, port-led industries and PPP projects through a presentation. They outlined how port infrastructure could help attract investments, expand industrial activity, strengthen logistics networks and create employment opportunities for local youth.

Rane praised the landlord port model being adopted by the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board for developing three greenfield ports. Under the model, the government develops basic infrastructure while private companies manage operations. He said the approach could increase private-sector participation while generating revenue for the State, with the potential to deliver returns of around 12–15 per cent in the future.

Janardhan Reddy said the State was pursuing a comprehensive plan to establish Andhra Pradesh as a maritime, port and logistics hub. Each greenfield port is being developed with an estimated investment of around Rs 4,500 crore, with construction targeted for completion by 2027. Industrial clusters, logistics centres, warehouses and ancillary industries are also planned around the ports.

The Minister said shipbuilding was another priority area. MoUs have been signed for Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders at Dugarajapatnam and Goa Shipyard at Machilipatnam, while a shipbuilding proposal at Kakinada is under progress. Skill development in marine engineering and logistics is also being promoted to improve employment opportunities for local youth.

The State is developing fishing harbours under the Maritime Board, with the government providing infrastructure and experienced private agencies potentially handling operations and maintenance. Reddy also said approvals had been secured for the Vijayawada–Amaravati Water Metro, while nine locations had been identified for seaplane services.

Andhra Pradesh is also planning multimodal logistics parks to connect Rayalaseema’s agricultural and horticultural produce with domestic and international markets. The two states agreed to exchange best practices, technical expertise and investment opportunities to strengthen cooperation and accelerate maritime development.