The 195-km coastal strip in Nellore district covering Tada to Kavali is all set to receive a major boost in the form of industrial townships which will be developed as part of the proposed Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC).
A host of mega and major projects including the Krishnapatnam Port, Apache Footwear, Sir City SEZ, several thermal power projects and edible oil refineries have come up successfully in the region. It covers the area on either side of the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway passing through a large part of the district.
Welcoming the proposed industrial corridor, the trade and industry here is eagerly awaiting the government to take the initiative for development of necessary facilities that will pave the way for the new industries along the corridor project. Industrial townships are the immediate attraction for investors and industrialists to set up shop here along with skilled workforce with international exposure. Endowed with rich natural resources, water facilities and road network, the coastal region is seen as the best bet for foreign investments.
“World class facilities have to be created to attract global workforce to come, stay and work here. This will be possible with townships coming up under the corridor project,” said Mr. Anil Yendluri, chief executive officer, the Krishnapatnam Port. Stating that the local industry is poised for a major fillip, Mr. Anil said the Krishnapatnam Port area has also been included under the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor and this would be an added advantage for manifold development of the entire region as well. The State government has already approved the Vizag-Chennai corridor to be taken up at a cost of Rs. 6,400 crore.
It covers big towns and cities, including the proposed capital Amaravathi along the 795-km stretch from Visakhapatnam to Chennai. For the industries already present in Nellore region, the proposed corridor project is expected to be a big asset in terms of enhancing their capacity expansion and increasing quality of workforce. The project cost of existing industries and ports runs into thousands of crores, which will receive further fillip. The Krishnapatnam Port project cost is Rs. 5,904 crore while that of the Thermal Powertech Corporation’s power project is Rs. 6,900 crore. The refined vegetable oil unit of Gemini Edibles and Fats came up at a cost of Rs. 135 crore. There are several other oil refineries, footwear companies and textile units which are set up at a cost of Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 300 crore.
(Reporting by G. Ravikiran)
