Chandrababu Calls Collectors to Play Key Role in Bringing Investments

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked district collectors to take a proactive role in attracting investments to the state. Speaking on the second day of the sixth District Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati , he reviewed investment proposals and directed officials to ensure that approved projects are implemented quickly. He said increased investments would create more employment opportunities for local youth and improve people’s incomes.

The Chief Minister said the government is developing Visakhapatnam , Amaravati and Tirupati as key economic growth centres to accelerate industrial and economic development. Industries Department Secretary N. Yuvaraj will oversee development in the Visakhapatnam region, Municipal Administration Special Chief Secretary Suresh will supervise Amaravati , and Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena will look after the Tirupati region in coordination with district collectors.

Naidu instructed collectors to review investment proposals regularly, speed up approvals and expedite land allotment for industries. He stressed that essential infrastructure such as water supply, electricity and other facilities must be ensured for industries to begin operations without delay. He noted that an industrial cluster with an airport at Orvakal has already been established and suggested developing Kopparthi village in Kadapa district as a major industrial hub.

He also advised collectors to identify local resources and opportunities to attract industries. To encourage competition among districts, the government plans to introduce a ranking system based on Ease of Doing Business performance.

The Chief Minister alleged that investors were reluctant to invest in the state due to the policies of the YSR Congress Party government between 2019 and 2024 . He claimed that an automotive battery company which had set up its corporate office in Tirupati left the state during that period. He also criticised the previous government for diverting lands allocated for industries during the 2014–2019 Telugu Desam Party government to other purposes.

For balanced development, Naidu said the government plans to build an industrial and services ecosystem similar to Hyderabad . In districts where large industries are not feasible, sectors such as tourism, IT, MSMEs and agriculture-based industries should be promoted based on each district’s strengths.

He also called for better cooperation from the Forest Department in development activities, stressing that development in tribal areas should not be hindered while maintaining environmental protection.

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure, Naidu said the state must focus on strengthening ports, airports and railway connectivity. The government is also considering establishing an Electronics City near Hindupur and promoting startups through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub .

In the tourism sector, he proposed developing projects at Pulicat Lake , Suryalanka Beach and Gandikota , along with wayside amenities, EV charging stations and night rest facilities along national highways.

Naidu also suggested developing Bhavani Island as a major tourist destination and exploring Disneyland-style entertainment projects. He said the state requires around 50,000 hotel rooms and encouraged the promotion of homestays, convention centres and international conferences. He further proposed developing Amaravati as a Creative City to support content creators, artificial intelligence innovations and the film industry.