Will AP get its deep water port okayed next month?

The Centre has already cleared two major ports of Kolachal in Tamil Nadu and Dahanu in Maharashtra with PPP (Public Private Participation). The Centre will take a decision on two other major ports, one in Andhra Pradesh and another in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is making all efforts to get the major port in AP (Krishnapatnam) approved by the Union Cabinet at its next meeting. The decision is very likely next month, according to Shipping Ministry sources. At present, India has 12 major ports handling 600 million tonnes of cargo per annum. The Centre wants doubling of the cargo handled. Since AP has lost revenue owing to loss of hinterland, the State has to depend on its coast for getting revenue. Therefore a deep water port would be beneficial for the State. The Centre, which has denied the State Special Status, should at least consider the deep water port for the development of coastal region of AP.