Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced a comprehensive strategy to harness the state's 1,000-km coastline by establishing ports or fishing harbours every 50 km, aiming to catalyse economic growth and infrastructure development.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance employment opportunities and reinforce Andhra Pradesh’s position as a maritime hub. "We have unveiled a strategic plan to build a port-based economy by harnessing Andhra Pradesh’s 1,000-kilometre coastline," CM Naidu said in an official press release.

As part of the central government’s commitments following the state's bifurcation, a ship building and repair cluster at Dugarajapatnam in Nellore district has been proposed. This project is based on an initial feasibility report and will span 2,000 acres. Of this, 1,000 acres will be dedicated to core ship-building operations, while the remaining 1,000 acres will support ancillary industries. Key infrastructure features will comprise four dry docks, outfitting jetties, and a ship-lift facility. The central government is expected to invest Rs 3,500 crore in the project, with the Andhra Pradesh government contributing land as equity.

To attract global industry leaders, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be established. The project is projected to bring in Rs 26,000 crore in investments, generating 5,000 direct employment and an additional 30,000 indirect work opportunities.