CM Chandrababu Launches Rs 9,322-Crore Investment Drive in Kuppam, Targets Jobs-Led Growth

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday unveiled a major industrial expansion programme in Kuppam, launching projects worth Rs 9,322 crore and outlining an ambitious plan to transform the constituency into a hub for manufacturing, employment and sustainable development.

Speaking at the Swarna Kuppam Investment Summit in Pogurupalli village of Gudupalle mandal, Naidu virtually laid foundation stones for a series of industrial and infrastructure projects while overseeing the signing of investment agreements between the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA) and several companies.

The Chief Minister said seeing industries take shape in Kuppam was particularly meaningful because such projects create jobs and economic opportunities on the ground. He noted that the arrival of global investors and advanced manufacturing companies reflects growing confidence in Andhra Pradesh as an investment destination.

According to Naidu, 30 industrial projects with a combined investment of Rs 9,322 crore are planned for Kuppam. The proposed units span diverse sectors, including footwear manufacturing, aviation-related production, battery technology and biotechnology , and are expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment.

Describing the initiative as a milestone in Kuppam's development journey, Naidu said the government's primary objective is to ensure that every family has a source of income and that young people have access to quality employment opportunities. He added that efforts are underway to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of modern industries.

The Chief Minister also encouraged entrepreneurship, expressing hope that at least one entrepreneur would emerge from every family. He highlighted the development of a 44-acre MSME Park , where 167 industrial plots have already been made available for enterprises. Students, he said, should increasingly consider business creation and innovation alongside traditional career paths.

Highlighting women's participation in economic activity, Naidu said nearly 1.49 lakh self-help group women across the state have already become entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to local economies and household incomes.

On infrastructure, he said Kuppam's economy has shown notable progress in recent years, with improvements in regional output, income levels and agricultural productivity. Expansion of irrigation facilities through the Handri Neeva project , wider adoption of drip irrigation and growth in dairy production have strengthened the area's economic base, he said.

Naidu also announced plans to augment water availability for both residential and industrial needs by bringing additional supplies from the Gandikota system. At the same time, he stressed that industrialisation would be pursued while safeguarding 70 per cent green cover in the region.

A key component of the development strategy is the proposed industrial township at Pogurupalli , which the government hopes will attract high-value investments and support long-term economic growth. Naidu said Kuppam, once viewed as a remote constituency, is now emerging as a destination capable of attracting world-class companies.

During interactions with company representatives, the Chief Minister reviewed project timelines and urged investors to fix commissioning dates at the foundation-laying stage itself. Several firms responded by announcing tentative launch schedules, citing the state's speedy approvals and supportive industrial policies.

Later, as part of his second day of engagements in the constituency, Naidu met local residents, received petitions on civic issues and directed officials to address them promptly. He also visited Nalagampalle village to review its net-zero development model , inspecting rooftop solar installations, induction cooking systems, terrace gardens and rainwater harvesting structures. The Chief Minister encouraged wider adoption of renewable energy and sustainable living practices, saying environmental protection and economic growth must go hand in hand.