What is the total area and unique features of Kakinada SEZ Ltd?

Auro Industrial City (AIC), situated near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, is an expansive port-based industrial park under development by Kakinada SEZ. Covering approximately 5,600 acres, it will be complemented by the Kakinada Gateway Port, which includes a port backup area spanning 1,650 acres. Offering land options within SEZ and DTA formats, the park is designed to accommodate industrial units with a Plug and Play model approach. 

What is the current status of development of Kakinada SEZ?

The industrial park has already received approvals for its operation including Environmental clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt of India and Consent for Establishment (CFE) from Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB). The basic infrastructure such as power, desalination water and construction roads are being developed. The development of specialized infrastructure such as Common Effluent Treatment plants, desalination plants is under process, 400/220/132 KVA substation and black topping of roads are in progress.

What are the main strategic priorities for the company in the next five years?

We aim to develop AIC, a port based industrial park with the advantage of being exports and imports, as a global destination by focusing on attracting domestic and international investments across various sectors by promoting the advantages of locating within the industrial park, such as favorable policies, logistical benefits, and access to markets. 

How do you plan to attract and retain investors in Kakinada SEZ Ltd?

Kakinada SEZ (KSEZ) comes under the PCPIR region. It is located on the central east coast and has a plug and play model. With all these advantages, KSEZ team is vigorously marketing the project in respective state, central and global level by attending conferences, associations and trade 

An upcoming port of Kakinada Gateway Port Limited (KGPL) will add additional advantages to the SEZ industries and will ease export and import business to enjoy long term logistical advantage. Hence, every industry will prefer KSEZ. 

What facilities are provided at Kakinada SEZ? 

The Industrial Park is in the process of development and will feature essential utilities, including a Common Effluent Treatment Plant with a capacity of 80 MLD and the capability to treat 25 MLD of HTDS, a Common marine discharge system, water sourced from a 150 MLD desalination plant, and power provided by a 400/220/132/33 KVA substation located within the industrial park. These utilities are complemented by other amenities and shared social infrastructure. The Park offers seamless connectivity to hinterland of India as well as global locations as deliberated below:

• Bharatmala Road (4 lane access-controlled highway - NH 516F) passes through the industrial park, creating seamless connectivity from NH16 at Annavaram to Auro Industrial City.

• A railway line from Annaravaram station to Kakinada Gateway Port is being developed to cater to the requirements of transporting cargo through Railway. 

• Kakinada Gateway Port is 3-4 km and Kakinada Seaport is about 25 km from the industrial park which shall ease the access of imports and exports. 

• Visakhapatnam airport is 135 km away, providing international air travel access. Rajahmundry airport is 78 km away, allowing additional domestic air travel.

What are the USPs for Kakinada SEZ? 

Strategic Location: Positioned near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, with proximity to major transportation routes i.e. National Highways, Railway network and the Kakinada Gateway Port, facilitating efficient logistics and access to both domestic and international markets.

Integrated Infrastructure: The industrial park is well planned with specialized infrastructure such as Common Effluent Treatment plant, Co-generation plant, Desalination plant and marine outfall apart from the basic infrastructure. 

SEZ and DTA Options: Providing flexibility with land options in both Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) formats, catering to diverse business needs and preferences.

Plug and Play Model: The industrial plots earmarked are planned to enable businesses to quickly commence operations.

Government Support and Incentives: Incentives such as tax benefits and single desk clearance by the government supports us to attract and encourage investment within the industrial park.

What steps are being taken to ensure sustainable development and environmental responsibility within the SEZ?

AIC is planned by incorporating sustainable practices and environmental considerations into development plans to ensure long-term viability and minimize ecological impact.

How are you engaging with the local community to foster economic growth and job creation?

AIC has taken responsibility for regional growth and development and the CSR team is working towards development of the local community by identifying the needs and strengths of the local community. Special Action Plan is made for the development such as skill development center, training center, etc. Moreover, job opportunities will be available in Industries located in KSEZ and eligible personnel will get jobs in the related fields.

Can you please share some examples of successful projects and partnerships that Kakinada SEZ Ltd has undertaken?

KSEZ is becoming a hub for multiple industries with its advantages, around 10 Aqua processing units operating out of KSEZ and few more adding soon. With this KSEZ has become the largest aqua processing zone in the region/ state. The park is set to host Asia’s Largest Penicillin- G manufacturing unit. Apart, few other pharma-based companies have initiated construction and shall be operational in next 12-18 months. 

How do you envision Kakinada SEZ Ltd contributing to the overall economic growth of the region? 

Kakinada SEZ Ltd has the potential to significantly contribute to the overall economic growth of the region in several ways.  Firstly, it serves as a catalyst for industrial development by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and a conducive business environment for various industries to thrive. This attracts both domestic and foreign investments, leading to job creation and income generation for the local population.

Overall, Kakinada SEZ Ltd plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the region by fostering industrialization, facilitating trade, and promoting innovation, ultimately driving sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all stakeholders.

How do you promote innovation and technological advancements within Kakinada SEZ Ltd?

Collaboration with Research Institutions: KSEZ fosters partnerships with leading research institutions and universities to leverage their expertise and resources. Collaborative research projects enable knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the development of innovative solutions tailored to the needs of industries within the industrial park. Example: Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and Indian Institute of Packaging are establishing campuses next to the industrial park. 

Open Innovation Platforms: We facilitate open innovation platforms and collaborative networks within the SEZ, bringing together industry players, startups, academia, and government agencies to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. These platforms promote cross-pollination of ideas, facilitate technology scouting, and accelerate the pace of innovation.

How do you prioritize corporate social responsibility within Kakinada SEZ?

Prioritizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) within Kakinada SEZ Ltd is integral to our business ethos and strategic vision.

Stakeholder Engagement: We actively engage with stakeholders, including local communities, government authorities, NGOs, and industry partners, to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. This engagement informs our CSR initiatives, ensuring they address relevant social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by the community.

Community Development Programs: We design and implement community development programs that focus on areas such as education, healthcare, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement. These programs aim to improve the quality of life and socio-economic well-being of communities residing in and around the SEZ. 

Environmental Sustainability: We prioritize environmental sustainability by implementing measures to minimize our ecological footprint and promote conservation. This includes adopting green technologies, implementing waste management practices, and undertaking afforestation and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

CSR activities are being carried out in the form of providing breakfast to the government school students, skill development training, and rejuvenation of govt schools.

What initiatives are being undertaken to enhance the skill development and employability of local residents? 

Skill Development Centers: Establish skill development centers within the Industrial Park premises or in collaboration with local educational institutions to offer training programs in sectors relevant to the industries located within the industrial park, such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

Industry-Academia Partnerships: Forge partnerships with nearby universities, technical colleges, and vocational training institutes to design curriculum modules tailored to the skill requirements of companies operating within the SEZ. These partnerships can include internships, apprenticeships, and industry-sponsored projects to provide hands-on experience to students.

Vocational Training Programs: Offer vocational training programs in collaboration with government agencies, industry associations, and NGOs. These programs can focus on specific trades or skills needed in industries within the SEZ, such as welding, electrical work, machine operation, and quality control, etc.

Can you please outline the company's plans for expansion and diversification in the future? 

KSEZ may plan to expand its infrastructure to accommodate more industries and businesses. This could involve acquiring additional land, developing new industrial zones or parks, and upgrading existing facilities to attract a wider range of companies.

However, KSEZ's group company Auro Infra Pvt Ltd is well diversified into various businesses, including EPC, construction, realty, port development, mining, manufacturing of chemicals, etc.