Well-known as gateway to Rayalaseema region, Kurnool has a great glory, legacy in its past. It served as the State Capital for Andhra state during the period 1 October 1953 to 31 October 1956. But it lost its sheen, development after losing capital city status to Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. Now, the government of successor state AP is quickly making moves to revive the lost glory.
In an attempt to make Kurnool as investments hub, AP govt decided to make Kurnool as hub of agro-processing industry. CM Chandrababu Naidu has laid the foundation stone for Ultra Mega Food Park and Mega Industrial Hub in Kurnool district on Monday. The Ultra Mega Food Park is expected to serve as an anchor for food processing industry in the state and likely to provide direct employment for 18,000 people and indirect employment for 30,000.
To be set up in 723 acres, the Ultra Mega Food Park will house food processing units of Jain Irrigation Systems and Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd. The facilities of Jain Irrigation Systems and Ambuja Exports are being set up apparently with a total investment of Rs.615 crore.
According to reports from AP government, Orvakallu Mega Industrial Hub, on the other hand, is going to house Jai Raj Ispat’s integrated steel plant, MPL Mineral Processing’s Integrated steel plant and Welspun Renewable Energy’s solar cells manufacturing unit in 1,200 acres with a whopping investment of Rs.7,652 crore. This said to have a direct employment potential of 28,000 and indirect employment potential of providing jobs to 42,000 people.
Commenting on the latest developments, CM Chandrababu Naidu stated, “I’m confident that these investments will transform the economy of Kurnool district and in turn, support the state’s economy by earning substantial revenues for the state.
To focus on decentralized development for our state’s growth, we are attracting investments to various districts across the state. In this direction, we’re taking a giant step in developing Kurnool. I’m sure Kurnool is rising on the investment map of Andhra Pradesh.” If all goes as per the plan, Kurnool is going to revive its past glory.