Maharashtra eyes AP’s maritime model
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Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane praises AP’s new maritime policy
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Maharashtra ports and fisheries minister Nitesh Rane met with roads and buildings, infrastructure and investments minister B C Janardhan Reddy at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Wednesday
Amaravati: Maharashtra ports and fisheries minister Nitesh Rane praised Andhra Pradesh’s new maritime policy and port development model, expressing interest in adopting some of the state’s initiatives.
He met Andhra Pradesh roads and buildings, infrastructure and investments minister B C Janardhan Reddy at the Secretariat here on Wednesday and discussed the development of maritime, ports, shipbuilding and logistics sectors in both States.
AP Maritime Board officials made a presentation on Greenfield ports, fishing harbours, fish landing centres, port-led industrial development, the PPP model and the State’s new maritime policy.
Rane appreciated Andhra Pradesh’s decision to develop three greenfield ports under a landlord model through the AP Maritime Board.
Under the model, the government develops port infrastructure and entrusts operations to private companies, encouraging private participation and generating revenue for the state. He said the model could serve as an example for other States.
Janardhan Reddy said each greenfield port was being developed with an estimated investment of around Rs.4,500 crore, with the government targeting completion by 2027. He said Andhra Pradesh aimed to emerge as a major maritime, port and logistics hub under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership.
He said the state was also promoting shipbuilding, with MoUs signed for anchoring projects at Dugarajapatnam and Machilipatnam, while a proposal for shipbuilding facilities at Kakinada was under progress. Skill development would be given priority to create employment opportunities for local youth in shipbuilding, marine engineering and logistics.
The minister said fishing harbours were being developed under the Maritime Board with a focus on providing infrastructure to fishermen on a non-profit basis, while private agencies would handle operations.
He also highlighted approvals for the Vijayawada-Amaravati Water Metro and the identification of nine locations for seaplane services. The government was developing multimodal logistics connectivity to link Rayalaseema with ports, railways and highways.
The ministers agreed to promote cooperation, exchange best practices and technical expertise, and explore investment opportunities between Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in the maritime sector.
