The Andhra Pradesh government has cleared administrative sanctions worth ₹1,638.52 crore to acquire land for the second‑phase expansion of Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta and Machilipatnam ports. The plan also earmarks land for a new logistics park, promising thousands of jobs and a boost to coastal trade.

Key Takeaways

  • ₹1,638.52 crore allocated for phase‑II port expansion
  • 6,248.54 acres of land to be acquired across three ports
  • New Nexus Integrated Logistics Park to attract ₹255 crore investment and 1,000 jobs

The Andhra Pradesh government has given administrative approval for a massive ₹1,638.52 crore land‑acquisition programme aimed at accelerating the second phase of expansion for three greenfield ports – Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta and Machilipatnam. Investment and Infrastructure Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy announced the decision on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to fast‑track port‑led growth and reinforce the state’s coastal infrastructure.

Break‑down of the financial commitment

For the Ramayapatnam Port in Nellore district, the state has sanctioned ₹851 crore to acquire 2,924.45 acres of land. The Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam district receives ₹440.52 crore for 1,903.39 acres, with a dedicated component for the rehabilitation and resettlement of affected families. In Krishna district, the second phase of Machilipatnam Port will be funded with ₹347 crore for the purchase of 1,420.70 acres.

Nexus Integrated Logistics Park – a new anchor

In a parallel move, the government has allocated 63.01 acres at Chinna Eetivakam in the Satyavedu mandal of Tirupati district for the proposed Nexus Integrated Logistics Park, to be developed under the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. The project is projected to attract ₹255 crore of private investment and generate roughly 1,000 direct jobs, positioning the state as a logistics hub for the broader South‑India region.

Economic and strategic implications

The expansion is expected to substantially increase cargo‑handling capacity, modernise maritime terminals and stimulate industrial growth along the coastline. Analysts note that higher container throughput, coupled with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, will make Andhra Pradesh a preferred gateway for exports of petrochemicals, agribusiness products and manufactured goods. The logistics park will further streamline supply‑chain operations, reducing turnaround times and attracting global investors.

Challenges and the road ahead

While the financial outlay signals a decisive push toward world‑class maritime infrastructure, successful implementation hinges on transparent land‑acquisition processes, rigorous environmental clearances and effective community resettlement. Balancing rapid development with ecological sustainability and social equity will be crucial to ensure that the benefits of the port expansion are broadly shared.