Is a Naval Systems and Shipbuilding Cluster Coming to the Vizag-Srikakulam Corridor?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of a Naval Systems and Shipbuilding Cluster in Andhra Pradesh.
- Alignment with Aerospace and Defence Policy 2025–2030.
- Focus on indigenous naval technology and local job creation.
- Collaboration opportunities in coastal tourism and youth development.
- Commitment from the state to support Navy projects.
Visakhapatnam, Nov 13 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh is on a mission to create a Naval Systems and Shipbuilding Cluster along the Visakhapatnam–Srikakulam corridor, as announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday.
This initiative, part of the Aerospace and Defence Policy 2025–2030, aims to enhance indigenous naval technology, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
During a meeting with Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening Andhra Pradesh's position within India's defence and maritime sectors.
“We also explored collaborative opportunities to boost coastal tourism, advance youth empowerment, and promote skill development. This will ensure that Andhra Pradesh emerges as a vibrant hub of innovation, capability, and national pride,” CM Naidu expressed in a post on 'X'.
An official statement revealed that the Flag Officer briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing activities within the Eastern Naval Command, highlighting the potential for inviting companies and startups that provide services to the Indian Navy to establish themselves in the state.
They also discussed the tremendous public response to the fleet reviews conducted by the Eastern Naval Command.
The Chief Minister asserted that Visakhapatnam is set to transform into a centre brimming with opportunities and renowned institutions. “Visakhapatnam is on its way to becoming a city of the future, and collaboration between the state government and the Navy is essential,” he stated.
CM Naidu further remarked that Visakhapatnam will evolve into a knowledge economy hub. Plans are also underway to develop the city into a premier tourism destination, seeking cooperation from the Eastern Naval Command.
He emphasized the necessity of bringing naval knowledge closer to the populace, advocating for the establishment of a Navy Museum to educate the youth about the defence sector.
CM Naidu assured Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla that the state government is prepared to allocate the necessary land for various Navy projects and initiatives.
In other news, ahead of the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, the state government has signed two crucial MoUs with prominent Taiwanese firms.
The Chief Minister announced on 'X' that Allegiance Group plans to develop an industrial park spanning 470 acres in Kuppam, with an investment of Rs 400 crore, which will create approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The eJoule India JV, a collaboration between eJoule Inc. (USA), Creative Sensor Inc. (Taiwan), and Senaste Technologies LLP (India), will establish India’s first 23 GWh Precursor-Free Single-Crystal Cathode Active Material and Solid-State Electrolyte manufacturing facility at Orvakal, Kurnool, with an investment of Rs 18,000 crore, generating around 2,000 direct jobs.
Additionally, the Chief Minister met with Antonio Enrico Bartoli, the Ambassador of Italy to India and Nepal.
“We discussed vital sectors for collaboration between Andhra Pradesh and Italy, including automotive components, machinery, manufacturing, energy, fashion, and food processing. I extended invitations to Italian companies to explore partnerships in agri-machinery, renewable energy, and shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh. We also deliberated on the development of an Italian Industrial Cluster in Andhra Pradesh to bolster long-term trade and investment relations,” posted CM Naidu.