GoM recommends mega projects for CPSUs across divided Andhra
Even as the terms for the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh are being finalised, the Group of Ministers (GoM) in charge of the division have set their sights on other issues related to the two separate states. This includes recommendations provided with regards to the implementation of mega infrastructure projects by Central PSUs (CPSUs) in both Telangana as well as in the Seemandhra region.
Projects worth Rs.2 L Cr proposed for CPSU take up:
According to the report prepared by the GoM, it was recommended that CPSUs take up projects costing about Rs.2 lakh crore. Some of these PSUs include Indian Oil, NTPC, Steel Authority of India, Hindustan Petroleum, NHAI, Airports Authority of India and Indian Railways. The recommendations if implemented would provide Telangana with about Rs.50,000 crore worth infrastructure projects, while the rest would go to Andhra.
Major projects for Telangana:
Some of the important projects that would be entrusted with Telangana are an integrated steel project by SAIL at Khammam, with an investment of about Rs.15,000 crore as well as a 4,000-MW power plant by NTPC, with an investment of about Rs.24,000 crore. Besides, a railway coach factory is also proposed to be set up in Telangana at an investment of about Rs.10,000 crore.
Major projects for Andhra Pradesh:
Some of the important projects that would be entrusted with Andhra Pradesh include a greenfield crude oil refinery as well as a petrochemical complex by either HPCL or IOC, at an investment of about Rs.50,000 crore. Besides, a new major seaport has been proposed to be set up at Duggarajapatnam, to be constructed in phases, at an estimated investment of about Rs.10,000 crore.
Vizag-Chennai industrial corridor proposed:
Moreover, the development of an industrial corridor between Vizag and Chennai was also recommended by the GoM, on the same lines as the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor. This project is expected to attract investments over Rs.1 lakh crore. Besides, the expansion of airports at Vizag, Tirupati and Vijayawada has also been proposed at a cost of about Rs.3,000 crore. Apart from these, the state of Andhra Pradesh is also set to get a new railway zone.
Rapid transport proposed between Hyderabad and Andhra capital:
Substantial investments would also be set aside for both the states, for the construction of rapid road and rail connectivity between Hyderabad and the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. However, inspite of all the benefits that the new state has garnered, the Telangana leaders still appeared disconcerted. This is due to the fact that contrary to expectations, the Centre had not relented in granting national status to a couple of irrigation projects that fall under the Telangana region.
Telangana and united Andhra leaders expect more:
It was also felt that more projects could have been granted by the GoM in Tier-II cities of Telangana. This would have enabled the promotion of industrialisation in the state and thereby helped in the progress of the state as an economic hub. Besides, many leaders of the united Andhra state also felt that they were taken for a ride by the GoM. It was felt that the people of Seemandhra were hoodwinked as the GoM had included many infrastructure projects in their report that were approved long back.
