The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a key decision to develop a new port and shipbuilding cluster at Duggarajupatnam in Tirupati district. To move the project forward, the state government has issued official orders granting permissions to the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board to take up port construction-related activities and infrastructure development at the proposed site.
According to the government orders, the Maritime Board has been authorised to acquire around 2,000 acres of land required for the project. Officials confirmed that about 1,000 acres have already been acquired as part of the first phase. The government has instructed the board to complete the remaining land acquisition process at the earliest. Clear directions have also been given to the Maritime Board’s Chief Executive Officer to take all necessary steps for the smooth implementation of the project.
The Andhra Pradesh government stated that the Duggarajupatnam port will be developed as part of the Central government’s Shipbuilding Development Programme. Although the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act had earlier proposed the construction of a port in this region, the project was delayed due to objections and other issues. After the new coalition government came to power, it reviewed the needs of the coastal region and decided to develop Duggarajupatnam as a major centre for shipbuilding and ship repair activities.
The government has also stressed that environmental protection will be a priority during the development process. Pulicat Lake and Sriharikota Island are located close to Duggarajupatnam, making ecological balance a key concern. Keeping this in mind, the port and related industries will be developed using environment-friendly practices and modern planning standards.
The port project is expected to bring major changes to nearby coastal areas, including Chittamuru, Tada, Sullurpeta, Naidupeta and Vakadu mandals, along with several coastal villages in Nellore district. Road connectivity in the region will improve significantly. Plans are already in place to expand the Naidupeta–Duggarajupatnam road into a six-lane highway. Around the ship repair hub, world-class infrastructure will be developed within a 10-kilometre radius.
In addition, the government has decided to establish a Marine Special Economic Zone (SEZ) spread across 5,028 acres at Duggarajupatnam. The SEZ will include shipbuilding yards, robotic shipyards, logistics parks and modular dry dock facilities. Officials said the project aligns with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. Once completed, the Marine SEZ and port are expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for nearly 15,000 people.
