'AP faced power shortage, now it has surplus'

Senior IAS officer Ajay Jain of 1991 batch talks of the development plans of the AP government in the energy and infrastructure sectors. As the secretary in the department of energy, infrastructure and investment, Jain recalls the progress made by the state on various fronts. A man with a wide experience, Jain held several important positions in the state government including working as the project officer of Integrated Tribal Development Agency in Srikakulam district in 1995.He also played a crucial role in restoration of power supply to the cyclone-ravaged port city in October 2014. In an interview with TOI, Jain talks of the progress of various development works, projects and investments in Andhra Pradesh post bifurcation.
Do you think that AP is progressing well?
Yes, the state is progressing well in all aspects. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had admitted that he attached too much importance to Hyderabad. He has now decided to opt for decentralised development. The government is committed to the development of all cities and towns to ensure uniform progress in the state.
What is the present status of the energy sector in AP?
Andhra Pradesh used to face shortage of 22.5 million units of electricity per day before the bifurcation of the state in June 2014. Now, the state has surplus power. The government focussed on energy conservation by encouraging use of energy efficient devices. The government has also focussed on solar and wind power generation parks. It succeeded in minimising energy losses. The Visakhapatnam-based APEPDCL has been ranked first in the reduction of transmission and distribution losses.
What is the progress of projects related to ports in the state?
Presently, the government is concentrating on the development of Machilipatnam and Bhavanapadu ports. The contract for the Bhavanapadu port will be awarded by end of this month. Land pooling for Machilipatnam port is all set to begin. Apart from this, logistics parks are being developed at Kakinada, Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam which already have existing ports.
What is the status of airport projects?
In the last two years, air traffic increased by nearly 60%. Expansion of Vijayawada airport is going on. The first phase of Vijayawada airport will be ready by October. Kadapa airport is now operational. Tirupati airport is also under expansion. Similarly, Rajahmundry airport will also be developed.
What is the status of the proposed international airport at Bhogapuram?
The government will recruit the chief executive officer for the project soon. By this year-end we hope to get all clearances. We will complete the project by 2019.
What about the status of MoUs signed at the Global Partnership Summit?
Nearly Rs 5,00,000 crore worth projects were signed at the summit held in Vizag in January. Of them, nearly Rs 2,00,000 crore worth projects were grounded. The government is regularly monitoring the status of the projects.
How big is the land bank of the state?
The state's present land bank for industries is about three lakh acres. The government formed a new industrial policy to attract more industries. The state has enough land to set up industries.
Do you think regular visit by government officials to China and other countries is useful?
Yes, international visits are useful for state development. Visits to Singapore brought in investment. Similarly, tours to Japan and China also yielded desired results. A company from China is ready to invest in the state.
What is the progress of the underground power supply project?
Tenders will be called for the project in Visakhapatnam after August 15. The government has already sanctioned Rs 750 crore. Similar projects will be taken up in the capital city at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore.