Groundwork under way for AM/NS steel project in Nakkapalli

Preparatory work for the proposed ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) steel plant in Nakkapalli mandal of Anakapalli district has begun, with boundary demarcation and soil testing under way across the land allotted for the project, officials said.

The preliminary activities commenced after the project received most of the required clearances. The work is being carried out under the supervision of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), and heavy machinery has been mobilised to the site.

Soil samples are being collected from locations including Chandanada, Thammayyapeta, Moolaparra, and D.L. Puram to assess land suitability and prepare a technical report on soil strength.

The proposed plant is planned to be developed in two phases with an estimated investment of around ₹1.35 lakh crore. It is expected to provide a fillip to industrial activity in the region and generate employment.

The State government has allotted 2,020 acres for the project in the Payakaraopeta Assembly constituency, covering areas such as D.L. Puram, Amalapuram, Chandanada, and Buchirajupeta. Boundary identification work is being taken up as part of site readiness measures.

Officials said arrangements were being made for the foundation stone ceremony to be held soon, with efforts underway to organise it at the highest level.

The company has also proposed a captive port at D.L. Puram as part of the project’s logistics plan to facilitate imports and exports once operations commence. In addition, a township spread over about 500 acres has been proposed to cater to employees.

Sources said the total land requirement for the project, including allied facilities, could be close to 5,000 acres. For the second phase, an action plan has been prepared to take up additional land acquisition in villages, including Nellipudi, Vempadu, and Uddandapuram, and nearby areas. Objections have reportedly been raised in some villages, and the issues are being examined.