Lokesh Pitches Coast-to-Coast Logistics Corridor in Talks with Gujarat CM
Nara Lokesh met Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, proposing a bilateral coastal logistics corridor and knowledge exchange on ports, GIFT City and industrial policy.
Andhra Pradesh's Information Technology and Human Resource Development Minister, Nara Lokesh, met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Thursday and proposed that the two States jointly develop a bilateral coast-to-coast logistics and commercial corridor.
The minister said such a partnership would allow the two States to exchange best practices in private port concessions and port-led industrialisation. He observed that coordinated progress between Gujarat on the west coast and Andhra Pradesh, which he described as a gateway on the eastern coast, would give a significant push to maritime and port-based industries.
Andhra Pradesh is developing non-major ports at Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam and Mulapeta, drawing on the Gujarat model for its maritime sector, he said.
Mr. Lokesh also highlighted the role of GIFT IFSC, describing it as a landmark for international financial services and innovation in the country, and outlined Andhra Pradesh's plans for modern business districts in Visakhapatnam and Amaravati. He sought Gujarat's support for knowledge exchange on single-window clearances, developer incentives and the regulatory structures in place at GIFT City.
The minister said Andhra Pradesh was building a semiconductor and green energy ecosystem and integrating it into the industrial supply chain. He invited Mr. Patel to attend the Vijayawada Utsav, to be held from October 11 to 20 at Punnami Ghat, and the Godavari Pushkaralu scheduled for 2027.
Mr. Lokesh further requested the allocation of land in Gujarat for the construction of a Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple under the aegis of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Rajya Sabha Member Sana Satish was present at the meeting.