AP cabinet clears major investments; SME Exchange to be launched

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh cabinet on Thursday cleared key proposals across financial markets, quantum technologies, IT infrastructure, manufacturing and higher education.In a major investment push for micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs), the cabinet approved the launch of Andhra Pradesh SME Exchange (APSMEX) to improve access to equity and alternative financing. A state-level task force will be constituted to design the exchange, coordinate with regulators and stakeholders, and submit an implementation proposal for setting up the APSMEX.For emerging technologies, the cabinet cleared the establishment of a dedicated quantum research and development facility by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) at Amaravati Quantum Valley under the AP Quantum Computing Policy 2025-30. The facility will focus on naval applications, including quantum computational fluid dynamics and hybrid classical-quantum workflows, with 5,000 sq ft of plug-and-play space allotted.The cabinet also approved allocation of 854.97 acres in Visakhapatnam district to Reliance Industries Ltd for setting up a giga-watt scale AI data center integrated with a cable landing station, involving an investment of Rs 1.08 lakh crore. The land will be allotted at a 25% concession, along with incentives recommended by SIPB.On the manufacturing front, the cabinet approved incentives for Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors Ltd) to establish a greenfield motorcycle manufacturing unit in Tirupati district with an investment of Rs 2,508 crore with an employment potential of 3,000 jobs. It also cleared Phase-IV expansion of Apollo Tyres’ existing facility in Chittoor district, entailing an investment of Rs 6,100 crore.Among other industrial approvals, the cabinet cleared a greenfield enzyme manufacturing unit by International Food and Fragrance India Pvt Ltd at IFFCO Kisan SEZ, Nellore, involving an investment of Rs 3,153 crore, and a 3GW solar cell and module manufacturing unit by Gridon Energy Pvt Ltd at Orvakal Mega Industrial Hub, Kurnool, with an investment of Rs 3,149.5 crore.In the education sector, the cabinet approved one-time weightage for contract faculty in the upcoming APPSC assistant professor recruitment, alongside direct recruitment to 1,523 teaching posts in state public universities.