The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, today directed the State Infrastructure and Investment Department to put on fast track the construction of ports at Bhavanapadu and Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district, Bheemunipatnam in Visakahapatnam and Narsapur in West Godavari districts.

Following a review meeting held here today, he wanted the State administration to target revenues of about Rs 1,000 crore from the ports sector, harnessing the long coastline in the State and by creating new infrastructure.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, he assured that land allotment for development of ports would be completed once the new land allotment policy comes into effect. He also wanted the works on Machilipatnam port to be expedited.

In a related development, the Chief Minister wanted the works on the international airports at Tirupati and Visakhapatnam and regional airports be expedited. The Government is working towards upgrading the Tirupati airport, which includes strengthening the runway. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is bearing a capital expenditure of Rs 300 crore.

The Government is set to handover about 700 acres in Renigunta and Yerpadu mandals and sanctioned Rs 100 crore for land acquisition. The existing airport at Rajahmundry is also being taken up for expansion by increasing the length of the runway. An agreement has been signed up with AAI.

Preliminary studies have been taken up for airfields at Nellore, Nizamabad, Tadepalligudem, Ramagundam, Kurnool and Ongole.

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