Andhra Pradesh approves ₹1,615-crore rail cargo terminal near Ramayapatnam corridor

The Andhra Pradesh government has cleared a major logistics infrastructure project with the approval of a ₹1,615 crore multi-cargo modular rail terminal in Nellore district, strengthening freight connectivity along the emerging Ramayapatnam Port corridor. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting port-led industrial development on the state’s eastern coast and is projected to generate around 1,300 jobs.

The terminal will be developed by Ramayapatnam Cargo Rail Terminal (RCRT) on a 429-acre site near Tettu Railway Station, positioning it as a key inland logistics hub for cargo moving to and from the upcoming Ramayapatnam deep-water port. As part of the first phase, the state has sanctioned the allotment of 153.77 acres in Chevuru village to RCRT after detailed evaluation by the State Investment Promotion Committee and the State Investment Promotion Board.

The State Investment Promotion Board, which reviewed the proposal on December 4, not only endorsed the land allocation but also instructed departments to prepare a comprehensive logistics master plan for the wider port hinterland. This includes identifying additional land requirements to support future expansion phases as cargo volumes grow.

Under the approved framework, the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board will complete the land acquisition process and transfer the parcel to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation. The transfer will be exempt from stamp duty and registration charges. APIIC will then allot the land to RCRT on a cost-recovery basis, in line with the state’s industrial land policies.

Designed to handle a wide range of bulk and containerised cargo, the rail terminal will support industries linked to the Ramayapatnam port-led cluster by improving cargo evacuation, reducing transit times and lowering logistics costs. Its modular configuration allows capacity to be expanded in stages, aligned with the commissioning of the port and the growth of surrounding industrial zones.

Officials said the project reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s strategy to develop an integrated logistics and manufacturing ecosystem on the east coast, anchored by new ports, upgraded rail infrastructure and corridor-based industrial planning.