Reaffirming his commitment to making Andhra Pradesh prosperous, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to the state since the NDA assumed power at both the Centre and the state, launched projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore.
These include a long-cherished new railway zone, a modern technology-based Green Hydrogen Hub, and the Kris City project. The Prime Minister conducted a massive roadshow alongside Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, culminating in a public rally at the Andhra University grounds.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s development, pledging support to his key ally N. Chandrababu Naidu in transforming the state into a “golden Andhra” by 2047. “The NDA government is committed to developing Andhra Pradesh as a modern and prosperous state,” said Modi.
He elaborated, “Andhra Pradesh has set a target of achieving a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047. To realize this goal, the Chandrababu Naidu government has initiated the ‘Swarna Andhra 2047’ mission. The NDA government at the Centre is fully supporting this initiative. Hence, Andhra Pradesh has been prioritized for projects worth thousands of crores. This is the time for Andhra to become a hub for futuristic technologies.”
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) headquarters in Visakhapatnam, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the state, particularly in North Andhra, which was also promised during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the NTPC Green Energy Limited’s Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka in Anakapalle district. Valued at Rs 1.85 lakh crore, the project will have a capacity of 20 gigawatts of renewable energy and produce 1,500 tonnes per day of green hydrogen.
Modi highlighted the significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023, stating, “Our target is to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. The first phase includes establishing two Green Hydrogen Hubs, one of which will be in Visakhapatnam.” This initiative is expected to create job opportunities and boost the manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
Several other infrastructure projects worth ₹19,500 crore, including road and railway developments, were also announced.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a bulk drug park at Nakkapalli in Anakapalle district, valued at ₹1,438.89 crore. This facility, one of three such parks being developed nationwide, is strategically located near the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor and the Visakhapatnam-Kakinada Petrochemical and Investment Region.
Further, he launched the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City) in Tirupati district under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Expected to attract investments worth ₹10,500 crore and generate one lakh direct and indirect jobs, Modi described the project as a model for “new-age urbanization.” He assured that Andhra Pradesh would soon rank among the top states in industrial development and manufacturing.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu praised the Prime Minister, describing him as a global leader who inspires him. Naidu said, “Till yesterday, Amaravati was in the doldrums. Now, sir, you must visit and witness how we’ve transformed it. We will complete it with your blessings, and you must inaugurate Amaravati as one of the best cities you once envisioned.”
Meanwhile, protests marked the visit, with CPI-M activists demonstrating at the Maddilapalem RTC bus stand, demanding that the Vizag Steel Plant remain under public ownership. Congress workers also staged protests against the Prime Minister’s visit.