The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday approved a series of landmark proposals totalling ₹1.27 lakh crore in investments, aimed at boosting industrial growth, tourism, digital infrastructure, and rural governance reforms across the State. The projects are expected to generate 78,771 jobs. 

Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, Information, Public Relations and Housing Minister K. Parthasarathy said that the Cabinet had given its nod to multiple major projects, including a pumped storage power project in Vizianagaram district, the Reliance Consumer Project at Orvakallu, and the construction of star hotels at key tourist destinations. The Cabinet also approved a comprehensive plan for the development of the Srisailam Temple and its surrounding areas to enhance pilgrimage and tourism infrastructure, he said. 

LIFT policy amendment

The Minister said that the Cabinet approved a proposal to amend the Andhra Pradesh Land Incentive for Tech Hubs (LIFT) Policy 4.0 (2024–29), which governs land allocation for medium-scale enterprises in the technology sector. The revised policy aims to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s competitiveness in tier-2 cities by offering land incentives to attract IT/ITES companies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), data centres, cloud and workplace solution providers, and IT infrastructure developers.

Under the amended provisions, eligible medium-scale enterprises will be provided with ready-to-use land valued at ₹4 crore per acre, subject to a commitment to create at least 500 jobs and ensure the project becomes operational within 12 months of allotment, he said, adding, the Cabinet approved the establishment of data centres in three locations across Visakhapatnam with a total investment of ₹87,000 crore, including the allocation of 480 acres for a Google Data Centre project, he said.

Among the major approvals were the establishment of an advanced carbon complex in Anakapalli district, a cement plant in Palnadu, and aerospace and automotive component manufacturing units at Gudipalli and Tekulodu in Anantapur district. These projects involve a total investment of ₹5,800 crore, generating 6,646 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Renewable energy

The Cabinet approved four major proposals from the Energy Department to boost renewable power generation, green investment, and rural employment. Ampin Energy Transition Pvt. Ltd. will expand its hybrid wind-solar project in Kurnool and Nandyal districts, creating 1,205 jobs. Chinta Green Energy Pvt. Ltd. received approval for a 2,000 MW pumped storage project in Vizianagaram, expected to employ 3,000 people. Tata Power and ACME Urja One will set up solar projects in Anantapur, together creating over 2,500 jobs and advancing A.P.’s clean energy goals, he said.

In a major governance reform, the Cabinet approved the reclassification of 13,351 gram panchayats as independent administrative units, dividing them into four grades based on revenue. The posts of Panchayat Secretaries will be re-designated as Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to enhance local administrative efficiency and service delivery, he added.