Andhra Pradesh is poised to emerge as a globally competitive maritime and logistics hub, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. Addressing the CII Partnership Summit 2026 in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, he highlighted opportunities across ports, shipbuilding and ship repair.
Sonowal said the state’s coastline and strategic location offer significant advantages. Furthermore, he invited global shipbuilders, technology companies and maritime investors to explore investment opportunities.
“If Hyderabad became Cyberabad, Andhra Pradesh today has the opportunity to become India’s Maritime Gateway to the East,” he said.
Rs 30,000 crore shipbuilding cluster planned at Dugarajapatnam
Sonowal identified shipbuilding and ship repair as major growth opportunities for Andhra Pradesh. The proposed greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam has received in-principle approval under the National Shipbuilding Mission.
The project envisages investment of approximately Rs 30,000 crore. It will target annual shipbuilding capacity of 1.2 million gross tonnes.
A Centre-State special purpose vehicle has been formed for the project. It involves the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board and Visakhapatnam Port Authority.
Sonowal invited global companies to participate in the proposed cluster. These include shipbuilders, technology providers, equipment manufacturers and maritime investors.
Four greenfield ports under construction
Andhra Pradesh is also expanding its port infrastructure through four greenfield projects. These ports are coming up at Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Kakinada SEZ.
The projects are expected to strengthen cargo-handling capacity. Additionally, they could support industrial development across the state.
Sonowal highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s approximately 1,053-kilometre coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Its location provides access to international shipping routes and major Asian manufacturing economies.
Consequently, the minister sees the state becoming a key maritime gateway. He identified ASEAN, East Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific as important markets.
Centre commits Rs 70,000 crore maritime financing support
Sonowal said the Centre aims to make India one of the world’s top five shipbuilding nations. He highlighted the need to develop domestic capacity, technology and industrial capabilities.
The government has allocated Rs 70,000 crore in financing support for shipbuilding and other maritime activities, he said. The support is expected to create opportunities for domestic and international investors.
He also linked Andhra Pradesh’s maritime ambitions with national initiatives. These include Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Together, these programmes envisage investment of Rs 80 lakh crore. They aim to support India’s transformation into a globally competitive maritime economy.
Smart ports and digital logistics to drive future growth
Sonowal said technology would play a central role in improving port efficiency. He highlighted artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and automation.
Digital logistics platforms will also support the next phase of maritime development. Moreover, he said Andhra Pradesh could take a leading role in adopting these technologies.
The minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to working with the state government, industry and global investors. The proposed projects and port expansion plans form part of that broader effort.
