Andhra Pradesh Revitalizes Dugarajapatnam for Shipbuilding and Port Development

The Union government and the Andhra Pradesh state government are joining forces to revitalize Dugarajapatnam in Tirupati district. Originally designated for a major port project as per the A P Reorganisation Act, the location will now be transformed into a shipbuilding and port cluster. RITES Ltd, a public sector undertaking, has been enlisted by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority to conduct a technical study on developing this maritime cluster, which will include a port, shipbuilding facility, and related industries.

In addition to the maritime cluster at Dugarajapatnam, the Andhra Pradesh government plans to integrate the area with the Union government’s industrial corridors and shipbuilding policy. Mulapeta in Srikakulam district and Ramayapatnam in Prakasam district have also been identified as potential locations for port and shipbuilding clusters. The state government is exploring the development of ancillary industries in these areas as well.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of a new port at Dugarajapatnam in 2013, under the UPA government. However, a 2018 note from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways indicated that the project may not be financially viable due to competition from nearby ports like Krishnapatnam, Ennore, and Chennai. Despite this setback, the government is still pursuing the development of Dugarajapatnam as a hub for shipbuilding and port activities.

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