Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Eyes Andhra Pradesh’s Maritime Development Model
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra want to share ideas about ports, ships and moving goods.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane met Andhra Pradesh minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy to discuss this.
Rane was interested in some of Andhra Pradesh’s plans.
Andhra Pradesh wants to build three new ports, with each expected to cost about ₹4,500 crore.
The state aims to finish them by 2027 and have private companies operate them.
The states also discussed shipbuilding, fishing harbours and training people for maritime jobs.
They talked about improving transport links and attracting investment.
The ministers agreed to exchange useful knowledge and best practices.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane expressed interest in adopting some of Andhra Pradesh’s maritime practices after meeting B.C. Janardhan Reddy.
The states discussed cooperation in ports, shipbuilding, fishing harbours, logistics, technical expertise and investment.
Andhra Pradesh plans three Greenfield ports under a landlord model, each estimated to cost about ₹4,500 crore, with completion targeted by 2027.
Shipbuilding projects are being promoted at Duggarajapatnam, Machilipatnam and Kakinada; MoUs have been signed for projects at the first two locations.
Discussions also covered fishing harbour development, workforce training, multimodal logistics, water metro and seaplane plans.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane, with officials from both states’ maritime boards.
- What
- They discussed maritime cooperation, including ports, shipbuilding, fishing harbours, logistics, investment and sharing expertise.
- When
- Wednesday in one report and Thursday in another; no calendar date was specified.
- Where
- The meeting was held at the Secretariat; the reports identify the location as Vijayawada and Amaravati, respectively.
- Why
- To promote cooperation between the states, exchange maritime practices and expertise, and explore investment opportunities.
Andhra Pradesh’s approach
Maharashtra’s response
Landlord model for ports
Andhra Pradesh’s approach
Andhra Pradesh plans to develop port infrastructure through its Maritime Board and entrust operations to private companies.
Maharashtra’s response
Nitesh Rane praised the model and expressed interest in adopting some of Andhra Pradesh’s maritime initiatives.
Fishing harbour management
Andhra Pradesh’s approach
Andhra Pradesh proposes providing fishermen with infrastructure on a non-profit basis, with operations handled by experienced private agencies.
Maharashtra’s response
Maharashtra showed interest in Andhra Pradesh’s approach to developing and operating fishing harbours.
- Greenfield ports
- Andhra Pradesh plans three ports under a landlord model, with government-developed infrastructure and private operation.
- Estimated port investment
- About ₹4,500 crore per Greenfield port.
- Completion target
- The ports are targeted for completion by 2027.
- Shipbuilding locations
- Duggarajapatnam, Machilipatnam and Kakinada.
- Shipbuilding agreements
- MoUs have been signed for projects at Duggarajapatnam and Machilipatnam; a Kakinada proposal is progressing.
- Seaplane services
- Nine locations have been identified, and a Srisailam–Vijayawada trial run has been conducted.
- Coastal land request
- Andhra Pradesh has asked the Centre to allot around 20,000 acres of coastal salt land for a future maritime land bank.
