Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal Reviews Progress
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, convened a significant review meeting on June 15, 2025, at the Tobacco Board in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The meeting aimed to evaluate the progress of industrial nodes led by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) within various industrial corridors in the state. Key discussions centered on the development of three major industrial areas: Krishnapatnam, Orvakal, and Kopparthy, with a focus on attracting investments and fostering a supportive environment for startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Focus on Industrial Nodes
During the meeting, Minister Goyal emphasized the importance of advancing three critical industrial nodes in Andhra Pradesh. These include the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area, part of the Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), the Orvakal Industrial Area under the Hyderabad–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC), and the Kopparthy Industrial Area linked to the Visakhapatnam–Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC). Each of these nodes is strategically positioned to enhance the state’s industrial landscape and attract significant investments. Goyal directed officials to prioritize the establishment of innovation-friendly ecosystems within these areas, which would be essential for nurturing startups and early-stage enterprises.
Encouraging Investment and Innovation
Goyal urged officials to create dedicated incubators within each industrial node to support the growth of startups. He highlighted the necessity of earmarking specific zones for MSMEs and startups, offering them subsidized rates and access to cutting-edge infrastructure and technological resources. The Minister also stressed the importance of forming global partnerships to boost foreign investments. He proposed organizing country-specific investment conclaves to attract targeted investments, which would further enhance the industrial capabilities of Andhra Pradesh.
To facilitate effective monitoring of project progress, Goyal called for the development of a centralized dashboard. This tool would enable real-time tracking of advancements in the industrial nodes. Additionally, he advocated for the implementation of advanced testing and quality control mechanisms to ensure that the infrastructure developed meets world-class standards.
Commitment to Industrial Excellence
Reiterating the Government of India’s commitment to transforming Andhra Pradesh into a hub of industrial excellence, Goyal expressed his vision for the state to become “Swarnandhra Pradesh,” a symbol of inclusive and sustainable industrial growth. The meeting included presentations from various stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) and the Secretary of Industries, who provided insights into the state’s industrial roadmap under the ambitious “Swarna Andhra 2047” framework.
The session was attended by several key figures, including local MPs and state ministers, who collectively discussed the strategies necessary for the successful implementation of these industrial projects. The CEO and MD of NICDC, Rajat Kumar Saini, emphasized the urgency of expediting land acquisition and ensuring timely execution of external infrastructure projects by the state government.
Andhra Pradesh: A Rising Industrial Hub
Andhra Pradesh stands out as the only state in India to host industrial nodes across three distinct industrial corridors. These initiatives are set to usher in a new era of industrialization, supported by integrated planning and robust infrastructure. The Krishnapatnam Node, spanning 2,006 acres, is projected to attract investments of approximately ₹10,500 crore, generating around 100,000 jobs. The Orvakal Node, covering 2,621 acres, is expected to draw ₹12,000 crore in investments and create about 45,000 jobs. Meanwhile, the Kopparthy Node, with an area of 2,596 acres, aims to attract ₹8,800 crore and provide employment for approximately 54,000 individuals.
The NICDC plays a pivotal role in this transformation, focusing on developing next-generation industrial smart cities that enhance manufacturing capabilities, attract investments, and improve India’s global economic competitiveness. Through its various corridors, including the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, NICDC aims to ensure seamless connectivity and sustainable urbanization, marking a significant step forward for India’s industrial landscape.
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