Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asserted that he would make Andhra Pradesh a maritime gateway by adding to the available infrastructural facilities in the ensuing years.
Addressing a mammoth crowd after witnessing the Operational Demonstration by Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy at the R.K. Beach in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, the CM reiterated that Visakhapatnam will be made a financial capital just as Mumbai is the financial capital of India.
“There are all possibilities to make the state a maritime gateway. We have Visakhapatnam Port, Gangavaram Port next to it and next year Bhogapuram International Airport will be completed in the area. More ports and airports are coming up and we will also start metro rail work soon,” Naidu told the crowd.
“I want the Navy to come forward for economic development of the state in the same way it is moving forward to protect the future of the country. I want the Navy to give advice and suggestions to the state government in the ocean economy as well,” the Chief Minister stated.
Among others, he said Google has signed an agreement with the state government to set up its data centre in Visakhapatnam. TCS has come forward to invest in Visakhapatnam. Some more IT companies want to set up their companies in the port city, he disclosed.
Chandrababu Naidu appreciated the Navy for helping Andhra Pradesh during the times of disaster and saving the lives of the people. In particular, he recalled the Navy’s role during the Hudhud cyclone of 2024. “I can never forget the initiative taken by the Navy during that time,” he underlined.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness that Visakhapatnam has become the most important among the naval commands in the country.
“Even though the eastern coast area extends from Calcutta to Chennai, Visakhapatnam Naval Command has a special place,” Naidu remarked.
He appreciated the Vice Admiral of the Eastern Naval Command for organising a demo in Visakhapatnam, even though Navy Day is being organised in Odisha.
Naidu went on to point out that when the Navy conducts recruitment, most of the people selected are from Visakhapatnam.
