By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : November 13, 2026 11:20 am
Andhra Pradesh has the opportunity to become India's maritime gateway to the east: Sarbananda Sonowal
Andhra Pradesh is poised to emerge as a globally competitive maritime and logistics hub, with a major push towards port infrastructure, shipbuilding and ship repair, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in Visakhapatnam at the 31st CII Partnership Summit.
Addressing at the summit, Sonowal highlighted the state's strategic advantages, including its approximately 1,053-kilometre coastline along the Bay of Bengal, access to key international shipping routes and proximity to major Asian manufacturing and trading economies. He said these strengths position Andhra Pradesh to become India's principal maritime gateway to ASEAN, East Asia, and the wider Indo-Pacific.
Sonowal credited the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the able support from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for creating the conditions to accelerate the state's maritime ambitions. He said the centre was committed to working closely with the state government, industry and global investors to unlock its potential.
“If Hyderabad became Cyberabad, Andhra Pradesh today has the opportunity to become India's Maritime Gateway to the East,” Sarbananda Sonowal said, drawing a parallel between the state's technology-led growth and the opportunities emerging in the maritime sector.
Sonowal also highlighted the foundation stone laid on Wednesday for projects worth more than Rs. 560 crore at Visakhapatnam Port. These projects are expected to build and augment capacity, enhance ease of doing business and create employment opportunities.
The state's port infrastructure is set for further expansion with four major greenfield port projects under construction at Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, and Kakinada SEZ. These projects are expected to strengthen cargo-handling capacity and support industrial development.
Identifying shipbuilding and ship repair as major opportunities for Andhra Pradesh, Sonowal highlighted the proposed greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam. The project has received in-principle approval under the National Shipbuilding Mission and envisages an investment of approximately Rs. 30,000 crore, with a targeted annual capacity of 1.2 million gross tonnes.
Emphasising the role of technology in the next phase of maritime development, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Smart ports powered by artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, automation and digital logistics platforms would be central to improving efficiency and competitiveness. Andhra Pradesh has the opportunity to take a leading role in this transformation.”
The state has an established maritime presence through Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Krishnapatnam ports. Visakhapatnam Port handled a record 91.17 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26, registering growth of approximately 10% over the previous year.