Andhra to set up logistics SEZs, parks

The Andhra Pradesh government is planning set up logistics special economic zones (SEZs) in Visakhapatnam and Naidupet, and logistics parks across the state.

“About 500 acres of land has been earmarked across the state for the purpose,” AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited chairman and managing director BP Acharya said, adding that the initiative was the first of its kind in the country.

According to Acharya, the proposed logistics SEZs and parks are expected to bring in investments in the order of Rs 1,000 crore in three to five years. They will also trigger a spurt in the number of companies engaged in material management, services, information and communications, supply chain management and warehouses.

While the first logistics SEZ would be set up on 200 acres in the Andhra Pradesh SEZ in Visakhapatnam, the second is being planned at Naidupet in Nellore district for effective transportation solutions. However, the size and scale of the logistics SEZ in Nellore is yet to finalised, he told Business Standard.

Acharya said the logistics SEZ in Visakhapatnam would have a container facility, which would complement the container facilities at the seaport there and also support the manufacturing plants in the district.

Similarly, the government has decided to set up logistics parks in the Automotive SEZ at Toopran in Medak district on 25 acre, at Manthal near Shamshabad (25 acre), Adampudi in Visakhapatnam (100 acre) and at Yellamalla village on the Outer Ring Road (20 acre).

The first two parks will be executed in joint ventures with a US and Bangalore-based and a US and Mumbai-based companies respectively. JM Bakshi and Company is likely to execute the Visakhapatnam park while Allcargo Global, a logistics company, will do the Yellamalla park.

It will take about three to six months for these to take shape, said Acharya. The Toopran logistics park has already been allotted while the one at Manthal is being processed.

“Companies are looking at reducing the product and delivery cycles. The logistics SEZs and parks will ensure just-in-time deliveries and generate employment in multiple fields,” he said.