Kurnool emerging as a major pharma hub with ₹1,225 Cr investment

The Andhra Pradesh government is accelerating efforts to position the state as a leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Kurnool is set to play a central role. The Orvakal region in Kurnool is rapidly emerging as a new pharmaceutical hub, driven by major expansions from two prominent Hyderabad-based companies - Virupaksha Organics Limited and Sigachi Industries Limited.

As part of its expansion plan, Virupaksha Organics has received approval to develop over 100 acres in the IP Guttapadu cluster in Orvakal. The company will establish a state-of-the-art facility to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and organic chemicals. The project involves an investment of ₹1,225 crore and is expected to create direct employment for around 1,500 people. In addition, the expansion is likely to generate significant indirect employment in logistics, utilities, and allied services.

Sigachi Industries is also expanding its operations in Orvakal. The company specializes in producing pharmaceutical excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which are critical not only for the pharmaceutical sector but also for food and nutraceutical industries. Sigachi’s presence is expected to further strengthen the region’s pharma supply chain.

Both companies’ expansion plans were officially finalized during the recent CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. With these investments, Orvakal is poised to become more than just an industrial node. Industry experts predict that over the next 5-10 years, it could become a key pharmaceutical hub in South India.