VCIC to trigger industry boom

The VCIC's nine industrial clusters are grouped into four so-called "nodes", each with a slightly different focus. Vizag, which includes Atchutapuram and two other clusters, is the anchor node and shaping as strong in sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, and petrochemicals as well as steel. A short distance south, the Kakinada node is set to focus on ICT hardware, and investments are planned in food processing and paper.

Further down the coast at the Gannavaram-Kankipadu node, agriculture, food processing, and textiles are among the key industries. Srikalahasti-Yerpedu, the southern-most node, could service the area's thriving tourism industry as well as manufacture electrical equipment, and is close to Chennai port.

Works along the VCIC will include 138 km of state highways and roads, effluent and water treatment plants, nearly 500 km of piped drinking water, almost 50 km of storm-water drains, 10 power substations, and around 300 km of power transmission lines.

"Industrial output along the corridor will jump fourfold to around $64 billion a year over the next 10 years if investment opportunities can be maximized," says ADB's Sharma.

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