Kakinada To Be Developed As Major International Logistics, Export Hub
AP plans to integrate ports, roads, railways and waterways to boost trade and exports
He was addressing the media on the sidelines of the Confederation of Indian Industry regional summit at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) on Monday, along with tourism minister Kandula Durgesh and industries minister T.G. Bharat.
Janardhana Reddy said ports were not merely docking points for ships but vital trade hubs connecting farmers, fishermen and industries with domestic and international markets.
He said the government was taking measures to transform Andhra Pradesh into a leading logistics hub by integrating sea routes, roads, railways and waterways. The Kakinada region had distinct geographical advantages for maritime trade, he added.
The minister said Yanam port, along with the special economic zone (SEZ) port, deep-water port, anchorage port and fishing harbour, played an important role in maritime trade.
During the 2025–26 financial year, cargo throughput stood at 18.42 million tonnes at Kakinada Deep Water Port, 3.42 million tonnes at the anchorage port and 0.58 million tonnes at the nearby Rava port, he said. Ports across the state handled about 210 million tonnes of cargo during the year, registering 12 per cent growth over the previous year.
Janardhana Reddy said large-scale road projects were under way to strengthen the state’s transport and freight networks. A total of 104 road projects covering 1,967km, involving an investment of 38,815 crore, were under execution, while another 51 projects spanning 2,624km were in the pipeline. The total investment linked to these projects exceeded 1 lakh crore, he said.
National Waterway-4 offered opportunities for low-cost freight transport. The government planned to build an efficient logistics network by integrating ports, roads, railways and waterways, he added.
Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh invited industrialists to invest in Andhra Pradesh, assuring them of government support for setting up industrial units. He said the state would be developed into a premier tourism destination and that tourism had been declared an industrial sector.
Industries minister Bharat said the government was organising regional conferences to ensure comprehensive development across the state. The meetings were intended to improve coordination among local investors, public representatives and officials and provide greater clarity on regional development priorities.
Bharat said industries should establish their units within 18 months of obtaining permission.