Mega Investments Worth 2 Lakh Crore, AI Hub, Green Push
Among the biggest announcements was the approval for Reliance Industries Ltd to establish a Gigascale AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam district: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday cleared a series of major proposals aimed at accelerating industrial growth, infrastructure expansion and employment generation across the state.
The cabinet also cleared the establishment of ‘AP FIRST’ — Andhra Pradesh Future Innovation, Research, Science and Technology — as a Section-8 company to promote advanced scientific innovation through IIT and IISER Tirupati infrastructure.
At the meeting presided over by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the government approved more than 40 agenda items, including 25 major projects involving investments of nearly ₹2 lakh crore. The projects are expected to create substantial employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s position as a preferred investment destination.
Among the biggest announcements was the approval for Reliance Industries Ltd to establish a Gigascale AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam district with an investment of ₹1,08,010 crore. The project, which includes a cable landing station and nearly 855 acres of land, is expected to create around 1,000 direct jobs besides generating large-scale indirect employment opportunities.
The cabinet also cleared another major Reliance proposal for a 6600mw AC/9000 MWp DC solar power project coupled with a 29,000 MWh battery energy storage system in Sri Sathya Sai district.
The government approved the launch of the SME Exchange (APSMEX) to improve access to equity and alternative financing for MSMEs. A state-level task force will coordinate the exchange’s implementation and regulatory framework.
Several major manufacturing investments also received the green signal. Apollo Tyres Ltd secured incentives for its ₹6,100 crore Phase-IV expansion project in Chittoor district, expected to create 1,000 jobs. Eicher Motors Ltd will establish a Royal Enfield motorcycle manufacturing unit in Tirupati district with an investment of ₹2,508 crore and employment potential for 3,000 people.
In Kurnool district, Gridon Energy Pvt Ltd was allotted 47.65 acres at Orvakal to establish a 3gw solar cell and module manufacturing facility involving an investment of ₹3,149.5 crore.
The cabinet also approved projects by Carrier Airconditioning & Refrigeration Ltd in Sri City, Chettinad Cement Corporation Pvt Ltd in Palnadu, and the International Food and Fragrance India Pvt Ltd in Nellore district.
A major policy initiative approved by the cabinet was the integrated horticulture development plan, envisaging investments worth ₹1 lakh crore to transform Rayalaseema into a global horticulture hub. The plan aims to nearly double horticulture production in the region over the coming years.
In the health sector, the government approved expansion of diagnostic services through 904 Mobile Medical Units under the 104 programmes, offering 41 free diagnostic tests with fully digitised reporting systems. The cabinet also sanctioned ₹149 crore for the Sanjeevani Integrated Digital Care Coordination system.
The energy department received multiple approvals for solar, pumped storage and compressed biogas projects across the state. The Cabinet allotted the 2250 MW Gandikota-2 Pumped Storage Project in Kadapa district to Adani Hydro Energy Eleven Ltd.