A task force of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) prepared a strategic blueprint for developing a coastal corridor across KGPG (Krishna- Guntur- Prakasam- West Godavari districts) and submitted it to the government a couple of months ago.
The KGPG document, however, appears to be gathering dust in the Department of Industries, thanks to the uncertain political climate that is linked to the bifurcation of the State.
The blueprint envisages a growth of the present Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) investment in the region from Rs.75,000 crore to Rs.3 lakh crore and employment from the current 3 lakh to 7.5 lakh.
“The political scenario is one aspect that is acting as stumbling block and the other is the lack of political will,” said Efftronics Managing Director and CII Core Committee member D. Rama Krishna.
“There are many ifs and buts associated with the political scenario, and the second aspect is when will the proposed projects be grounded and completed,” he observed.
Taking into consideration the strategic location of the districts and natural and agricultural wealth available, the blueprint proposes tactical linking of at least two major ports such as Machilipatnam and Ramayapatnam.
Though the foundation for the Machilipatnam port was laid way back in 2011, it is uncertain when will the project be grounded, as the land acquisition has not begun. In the case of Ramayapatnam in Prakasam, the Centre has shifted the port to Dugarajapatnam in Nellore district.
“This is what we term as lack of political will,” said Better Castings CEO and CII Core Team member J.S.R.K. Prasad. “Similarly, the development of Gannavaram airport, cleared in 2007, is yet to take off as desired,” he added.
The blueprint, which was prepared by the Hyderabad Amarthi Management Consulting, covered every aspect, including the self-sufficiency in power, said Mr. Rama Krishna.
