TER eyes integrated growth across key sectors

Tirupati: The emerging space, defence, manufacturing, logistics and tourism sectors are set to play a key role in shaping the Tirupati Economic Region’s (TER) development roadmap up to 2047.

The state government is preparing a comprehensive development plan for the region by incorporating inputs from elected representatives, industry, academia, officials and other stakeholders. TER CEO M Mukesh Kumar Meena said that the plan would focus on local requirements, development gaps and investment opportunities.

Addressing a stakeholder workshop at the Tirupati collectorate on Wednesday, Meena said the exercise should go beyond data collection and preparation of a report and result in an actionable plan reflecting ground-level needs. KPMG has been appointed as the strategic support agency for preparing the TER Development Plan 2047.

Representatives from Tirupati, Chittoor and Nellore districts, including collectors, MLAs, industrialists, academicians and experts, participated in the day-long consultation.

Meena highlighted the potential of the region in space, defence, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, tourism and services. He proposed linking the emerging space and defence clusters in the Tirupati-Nellore belt with research, manufacturing, testing and launch facilities. With a space city coming up over nearly 2,500 acres, he suggested an R&D park involving IIT and IISER and called for policy support for land, buffer zones and infrastructure.

He also proposed examining a bonded corridor connecting ports, airports and industrial areas and integrating cargo, repacking and distribution facilities to improve logistics.

Planning department joint secretary Anantha Shankar said an assessment of the economic conditions, growth potential and per capita income of the nine districts forming the TER had been carried out up to the mandal level. Though the region accounts for more than half of the State’s geographical area, it contributes around one-third of its GSDP, he said.

Tirupati collector Dr S Venkateswar said the district’s industrial ecosystem covered nearly 15,000 acres and stressed the need for better connectivity between industrial areas and major highways. Chittoor collector Sumit Kumar said 2,000 to 2,500 acres was available for industrial parks and called for advance planning of power, water and road infrastructure.

Nellore collector Himanshu Shukla sought industry-linked skill programmes in welding, solar ingot and wafer manufacturing, drone technology and gantry crane operations. He also stressed stronger power infrastructure for emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and data centres.

Tourism proposals included a circuit covering Tirumala, Srikalahasti, Kanipakam, Talakona and Horsley Hills, besides improved accommodation, transport and digital booking facilities. Sullurpeta MLA Nelavala Vijayasree sought a master plan for Pulicat and Sriharikota, while forest officials stressed compliance with sanctuary regulations and required clearances.

MLC Kancherla Srikanth sought stronger college-industry links through internships and skill programmes. Satyavedu MLA Adimulam sought better infrastructure in the industrial belt, including a bypass to Sri City.

Officials said the TER plan would cover industry, healthcare, education, infrastructure, logistics, skills and innovation, with around 50 to 60 key projects likely to be identified based on regional gaps and opportunities.

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Pradeep Vennelakanti

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