Andhra Pradesh Unveils Rs 1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Push

22 Dec 2025 CW Team

The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board has signed 20 memoranda of understanding, including three projects valued at over Rs 100 billion each and two in the Rs 50.01–100 billion range. Eight proposals fall between Rs 10.01–50 billion, while seven are below Rs 10 billion. Of the total, six proposals are at the SIPC/RFP stage and 14 have moved into implementation.

In aviation, AP Airports Development Corporation Limited has secured 10 MoUs. Five projects are valued between Rs 5.01–10 billion, while others exceed Rs 100 billion, spanning aerospace manufacturing, flight training and infrastructure development. A key investment includes Rs 200 billion by GMR-VIAL at Bhogapuram Aerocity.

Major coastal and maritime initiatives include the Mulapeta port in Srikakulam with a planned capacity of 100 MMTPA, a 1,000-acre shipbuilding cluster, a 400-acre logistics park, and the expansion of Gangavaram Port from 64 MMTPA to 100 MMTPA. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel and NTPC are setting up captive ports in Anakapalli with investments of Rs 47.35 billion and Rs 10 billion respectively.

Kakinada is set to host LNG terminals worth Rs 110 billion and Rs 19.6 billion, alongside the expansion of deep-water port infrastructure. The Uppada fishing harbour will also be upgraded at an estimated Rs 3.61 billion. Shipbuilding clusters planned in Krishna and Nellore districts will attract investments of Rs 76 billion, Rs 15 billion and Rs 30 billion, while a Green Industrial City near Durgarajapatnam port is projected to cost Rs 50 billion.

Aerospace and aviation projects across Sri Sathya Sai, Kurnool and Palnadu districts are expected to bring investments of Rs 26.99 billion, Rs 71 billion and Rs 6.33 billion respectively. The state also plans to roll out a dedicated MICE Promotion Bureau and the Unified Logistics Interface Platform to strengthen tourism, logistics and investment facilitation.

Andhra Pradesh is pressing ahead with an ambitious infrastructure development drive, with investment proposals exceeding Rs 1.5 trillion across multiple sectors and districts, principal secretary M T Krishna Babu said at the 4.5th collectors’ conference on Wednesday. The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board has signed 20 memoranda of understanding, including three projects valued at over Rs 100 billion each and two in the Rs 50.01–100 billion range. Eight proposals fall between Rs 10.01–50 billion, while seven are below Rs 10 billion. Of the total, six proposals are at the SIPC/RFP stage and 14 have moved into implementation. In aviation, AP Airports Development Corporation Limited has secured 10 MoUs. Five projects are valued between Rs 5.01–10 billion, while others exceed Rs 100 billion, spanning aerospace manufacturing, flight training and infrastructure development. A key investment includes Rs 200 billion by GMR-VIAL at Bhogapuram Aerocity. Major coastal and maritime initiatives include the Mulapeta port in Srikakulam with a planned capacity of 100 MMTPA, a 1,000-acre shipbuilding cluster, a 400-acre logistics park, and the expansion of Gangavaram Port from 64 MMTPA to 100 MMTPA. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel and NTPC are setting up captive ports in Anakapalli with investments of Rs 47.35 billion and Rs 10 billion respectively. Kakinada is set to host LNG terminals worth Rs 110 billion and Rs 19.6 billion, alongside the expansion of deep-water port infrastructure. The Uppada fishing harbour will also be upgraded at an estimated Rs 3.61 billion. Shipbuilding clusters planned in Krishna and Nellore districts will attract investments of Rs 76 billion, Rs 15 billion and Rs 30 billion, while a Green Industrial City near Durgarajapatnam port is projected to cost Rs 50 billion. Aerospace and aviation projects across Sri Sathya Sai, Kurnool and Palnadu districts are expected to bring investments of Rs 26.99 billion, Rs 71 billion and Rs 6.33 billion respectively. The state also plans to roll out a dedicated MICE Promotion Bureau and the Unified Logistics Interface Platform to strengthen tourism, logistics and investment facilitation.

Infrastructure Urban

22 Dec 2025

Study Highlights Freshwater Sponges’ Role in Fighting Metal Pollution

Scientists have identified freshwater sponges and their associated microbial communities as powerful natural allies in tackling toxic metal pollution, offering new hope for sustainable water quality management. A recent study has revealed that these sponges can act both as bioindicators and effective absorbents of harmful metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium.The findings come from a study published in Microbiology Spectrum by researchers from Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The research focused on freshwater spong..

Infrastructure Transport

22 Dec 2025

79% of Indian Railways Track now Supports Speeds of 110 Kmph+

Indian Railways has significantly enhanced the speed potential of its track network over the past decade, with 79 per cent of tracks now capable of supporting speeds of 110 kmph and above, compared with just 40 per cent in 2014. The improvement reflects sustained investment in track modernisation and maintenance aimed at faster and safer train operations.According to official data, large-scale upgradation works have been undertaken over the last 11 years to improve track quality and performance. Key measures include the use of heavier 60 kg rails, wider-base concrete sleepers, thick web switch..

Infrastructure Transport

22 Dec 2025

Indian Railways Clocks 80% Punctuality Nationwide from Dec 8–14

Indian Railways has reported strong operational performance, achieving an overall punctuality of 80 per cent across the network during the period from December 8 to December 14. The achievement reflects sustained efforts by railway divisions to enhance efficiency and ensure reliable and timely services for passengers and freight users.According to official data, 37 railway divisions recorded punctuality levels exceeding 80 per cent during the review period. Notably, 22 divisions achieved punctuality above 90 per cent, while 10 divisions went a step further by crossing the 95 per cent mark, hig..