PM launches Rs 13K-crore projects in Andhra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that the 21st century “belongs to 140 crore Indians” and reaffirmed that India would become a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

The PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects worth Rs 13,430 crore spanning power, defence, railways, roads, petroleum and industry sector in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a gathering in Kurnool, the PM said Andhra Pradesh’s development had accelerated under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.

Modi said both the Centre and state were working “hand-in-hand” for rapid progress. “Delhi and Amaravati are working together towards accelerated growth,” he said, asserting that the new projects would boost employment, industrialisation and ease of living across the state.

Calling energy security the cornerstone of national development, the PM inaugurated a transmission project worth Rs 3,000 crore and highlighted India’s journey from “blackouts to breakthroughs”.

Highlighting that every village in the country now had access to electricity, he pointed out that per capita electricity consumption had increased from below 1,000 units to 1,400 units in a decade.

The Prime Minister also launched the Srikakulam-Angul Natural Gas Pipeline Project, connecting Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, which will supply gas to 15 lakh households. He also launched Indian Oil’s LPG bottling plant in Chittoor, which is capable of filling 20,000 cylinders daily.

Modi unveiled the six-lane Sabbavaram-Sheelanagar Greenfield Highway and inaugurated six road projects worth over Rs 1,100 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for new railway lines, including the Kottavalasa-Vizianagaram Fourth Line and a rail flyover between Pendurti and Simhachalam North, aimed at improving passenger convenience and freight movement.

The Prime Minister further announced industrial zones at Orvakal in Kurnool and Kopparthy in Kadapa. These Rs 5,000 crore projects are expected to attract Rs 21,000 crore in investments and generate one lakh jobs.

Highlighting global recognition of India’s growth, Modi also spoke about Google’s recent announcement that the firm would establish the country’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in Andhra Pradesh. The facility, featuring powerful AI infrastructure, subsea data cables and fibre-optic networks, will transform Visakhapatnam into a major global connectivity gateway.

In a major step towards self-reliance, Modi inaugurated Bharat Electronics Limited’s Advanced Night Vision Factory in Nimmaluru, Krishna district. The Rs 360-crore facility will produce night vision devices, missile sensors and drone systems for the armed forces.

He also highlighted tax and GST reforms, claiming that income up to Rs 12 lakh is now tax-free and new GST measures could save citizens Rs 8,000 crore.

Meanwhile, seeking blessings from revered saints and deities of the region, the Prime Minister said he felt “blessed to receive the blessings of Srisailam” and paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Garu and others. He praised Andhra Pradesh as a land of pride and culture, and a hub of science and innovation.