Ramaraju Mantena, Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (APIIC), stated on Tuesday that offering land at reduced rates aims to attract investors to Andhra Pradesh.
He noted that several investments have materialised due to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s vision.
Although the previous government allotted land at low prices between 2014 and 2019, many companies had yet to begin operations, Mantena said. “In the period between 2024 and 2026, that is, in about a year and a half, nearly 30,000 acres are being allocated. This is the highest ever land allocation for industrial development in the history of APIIC or the state of Andhra Pradesh. Honorable Nara Chandrababu Naidu is creating all opportunities to establish industries,” he added.
The current government is securing large-scale investments and is offering land at concessional rates, in some cases as low as 99 paise, to attract investors. Mantena also noted that incentives have been provided for projects including steel factories and data centres.
He highlighted industrial growth in the Visakhapatnam region, mentioning areas like Achutapuram, Rampilli, and the ArcelorMittal plant in Nakkapalli. “Vizag is becoming an ‘Iron and Steel City’ like nowhere else in India. With the Vizag Steel Plant, a steel plant near Kadapa, and ArcelorMittal, three major steel plants are being brought into operation or construction,” he said.
Regarding the Vizag Steel Plant, which had been close to closure, Mantena stated that the Central Government allocated Rs 12,000 crore to maintain production capacity and prevent losses following APIIC’s discussions.
He observed that competition among states is intense, comparing Andhra Pradesh with Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. “If a company provides jobs for 25,000 people, those 25,000 people come into Vizag city, their purchasing capacity increases, and the state earns massive revenue through GST in the coming days. It’s not about APIIC giving land for 99 paise; it’s about providing employment and the firm resolve to develop North Andhra. This decision taken by Chandrababu Naidu garu and Lokesh garu is remarkable. Development happens when everyone works together. For instance, Telangana has many advantages because Chandrababu Naidu garu established Hitech City and Cyber Towers there back then,” he said.
Mantena added that significant tax revenue will be generated once companies commence operations.
He also indicated that development is occurring across multiple regions, citing Defence projects in Kurnool, a Drone city, and various initiatives in Anantapur, Kadapa, Nellore, and Tirupati. “The Telugu Desam Party has initiated development in all regions,” he concluded.