Andhra Pradesh approves 11 projects worth Rs 9,076 crore investment
Amaravati, July 7
Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board on Tuesday approved 11 projects with Rs 9,076 crore investment.
The State Level Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, cleared the projects which are expected to generate 10,531 jobs.
The approved proposals include Adani Foundation's project at Kapuluppada in Visakhapatnam district, with a proposed investment of Rs 2,200 crore, said an official release.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officials to promote industrialisation to provide additional income opportunities for farming families and enable them to emerge as entrepreneurs.
He emphasised attracting investments to strengthen the rural economy and called for leveraging the growing demand for ethanol. The Chief Minister said that increasing ethanol blending to 40 per cent would provide significant additional income to maize farmers.
He instructed officials to actively encourage investments in the ethanol manufacturing sector, noting that ethanol demand would increase substantially for blending with petrol and diesel.
CM Naidu also directed officials to formulate a comprehensive policy covering ethanol, methane and aviation fuel.
Reiterating that wealth creation and a circular economy are key pillars of the government's development strategy, the Chief Minister stressed the need to promote food processing industries on a large scale.
Highlighting the immense potential of the tourism sector, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of 100 Experience Centres at major tourist destinations across the State, including Thimmamma Marrimanu.
He said tourist destinations such as Polavaram, Dindi, Gandikota, Kambham Cheruvu and Lambasingi should be developed into world-class attractions. The CM informed the meeting that the Jindal Group has expressed interest in establishing a resort near Lambasingi and Araku.
The Chief Minister also called for the promotion of Andhra Pradesh's traditional handicrafts and cultural heritage, including Etikoppaka, Kondapalli, Dharmavaram, Mangalagiri, Uppada and Ponduru.
He instructed officials to expedite the preparation of the Suryalanka Master Plan and develop projects such as Kangundi Fort in Kuppam and an Elephant Safari in Chittoor district.
The Chief Minister also noted the significant expansion of hotel infrastructure in the State. While Andhra Pradesh had 4,390 hotel rooms in 2024, approvals have been granted over the past two years for the construction of 9,364 additional hotel rooms, increasing total capacity to 13,753 rooms.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Rs 9,076 crore investment sounds impressive but I'm skeptical about the job numbers. 10,531 jobs for that much investment? That's roughly Rs 86 lakh per job – seems inefficient. Hope the CM focuses on labour-intensive industries too, not just capital-heavy projects.
Adani Foundation again? After what happened in Visakhapatnam with the port project, I'm a bit wary. But if it brings jobs and development to Kapuluppada, let's hope they follow all environmental norms this time. The ethanol push for maize farmers is a good move – our farmers need alternative income sources.
Love the focus on tourism! Polavaram, Gandikota, Lambasingi – these places have so much potential. But 100 Experience Centres? Let's first improve the roads and basic infrastructure to these destinations. Tourists can't enjoy if they spend 6 hours on pothole-ridden roads. 😅
The handicrafts push is wonderful! Etikoppaka toys, Kondapalli dolls, Mangalagiri sarees – these artisans need global exposure. But why does every development plan have to be CM's pet project? Let's hope these aren't just photo ops and actually benefit the local weavers and craftsmen.
The ethanol blending to 40% target is ambitious – currently we're at 10% blending. Maize farmers will benefit, but what about the environment? Ethanol from maize still requires water and fertilizer. And 9,364 new hotel rooms? Who's going to fill them? Seems like over-optimistic planning without demand analysis.
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