District Collector B. Sridhar said that plans were being made for inclusion of the industrially potential districts of Nellore and Chittoor in the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor for taking advantage of the mega project to accelerate growth in the southern parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Once this project takes shape, various border towns and cities in the two districts will have an opportunity to benefit from the industrial corridor as part of which the respective governments are making big plans. Tirupati, Nayudupeta, Gudur and other towns will have additional advantage because of these initiatives, said Mr. Sridhar.
Making a special address at the session on “Industrial growth prospects” held by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Andhra Pradesh chapter, here on Tuesday, Mr. Sridhar made a special mention of the Chennai-Bangalore Corridor in the context of possible linkages with the towns and potential areas in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
The issue was discussed at length during the recent visit of the Commissioner of Industries, who spoke about the plans on inclusion of the State’s border areas in the corridor.
Conducive
Mr. Sridhar said that the general environment was conducive for attracting industries in these regions, considering the positive growth-oriented approach of the people and also absence of labour unrest and problems from agitations.
“Environmental concerns were initially raised but with a little education and awareness this could be addressed. They only want special packages for better livelihood of local people,” he added.
Rapid development
On the projects coming up in the Nellore district, Mr. Sridhar said that after the commissioning of the Krishnapatnam port, the area had seen unprecedented overall development with allied industries also seeing rich potential in the area near the port. Linked to this project, there are many thermal projects coming up with their power generation potential likely to reach 15,000 MW in the next few years. Six power projects are in various stages of progress and they would be commissioned in the next two to three years, he said.
In all, Nellore district has four special economic zones (SEZs) and another IFFCO SEZ is likely to see progress soon. The National Highway’s six-laning project from Kavali to Nellore has also been sanctioned. With Chennai and Renigunta airports located nearby, Nellore continued to enjoy a big advantage. Another major port, which is sanctioned at Ramayapatnam in neighbouring Prakasam district, is near Kavali in Nellore district.
