Lokesh Attracts Major Investors to Andhra Pradesh's Industrial and Urban Projects
Andhra Pradesh's IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh met key corporate leaders in Mumbai to promote the state's industrial infrastructure, logistics, and urban development opportunities, highlighting the new Plug & Play Industrial Parks Policy 4.0.
Andhra PradeshIndustrial ParksLogisticsUrban DevelopmentInvestmentsReal Estate MumbaiOct 07, 2025
During these discussions, Lokesh held talks with Sadat Shah, head of India investments, and Prakrit Mehta, director (Leasing) of ESR Group, a leading Asia-Pacific real estate and logistics investment platform. The Minister highlighted the recently unveiled Plug & Play Industrial Parks Policy 4.0, which he described as a “game-changer for industrial growth” under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Lokesh emphasized the state’s ambitious plans, stating, “We are developing over 1,000 acres of mega industrial parks along the Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Tirupati corridors.” He also mentioned the development of three to five large logistics parks near the state’s ports and multimodal logistics hubs at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. The Minister pointed out the vast potential for cold-chain infrastructure, noting that Andhra Pradesh contributes nearly 70 per cent of India’s shrimp production.
The IT Minister invited the ESR Group, which manages assets worth 154 billion US dollars in the Asia-Pacific region and 1.7 billion US dollars in India, to invest in container freight stations, warehouse construction, and port-based logistics for the state’s growing sea export sector.
Lokesh also met with Boman Irani, chairman of the Rustomjee Group, a company known for developing more than 25 million sq ft of luxury residential projects across India, with 43 million sq ft in the pipeline. Describing Visakhapatnam as “a fast-growing metropolis fueled by IT and data center investments,” Lokesh urged the group to build luxury townships and gated communities to support the city’s urban expansion.
The Minister reiterated that Andhra Pradesh, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, is emerging as “India’s next destination for smart industrial and urban development.” This aligns with the state’s commitment to combining pro-investor policies with world-class infrastructure and logistics access, making it an attractive hub for both domestic and international investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Plug & Play Industrial Parks Policy 4.0?
The Plug & Play Industrial Parks Policy 4.0 is a recently unveiled policy in Andhra Pradesh aimed at boosting industrial growth. It offers streamlined processes, incentives, and world-class infrastructure to attract investors and promote the development of industrial parks.
Which major corporate leaders did Nara Lokesh meet in Mumbai?
Nara Lokesh met with Sadat Shah, head of India investments, and Prakrit Mehta, director (Leasing) of ESR Group, as well as Boman Irani, chairman of the Rustomjee Group.
What are the key sectors Andhra Pradesh is focusing on for development?
Andhra Pradesh is focusing on industrial infrastructure, logistics, and urban development. Key sectors include container freight stations, warehouse construction, port-based logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, and luxury residential projects.
How much area is being developed for industrial parks in Andhra Pradesh?
Andhra Pradesh is developing over 1,000 acres of mega industrial parks along the Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Tirupati corridors.
Why is Visakhapatnam considered a fast-growing metropolis?
Visakhapatnam is considered a fast-growing metropolis due to its rapid urban expansion, fueled by significant IT and data center investments. The city is also a key hub for luxury residential projects and urban development initiatives.
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