PM Modi launches Rs 13,430 crore projects to boost Andhra Pradesh growth

Kurnool – Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 13,430 crore in Kurnool, marking a major push for industrial, energy, and infrastructure growth across Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a massive gathering, he hailed the state’s potential in science, innovation, and technology, stressing that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and with full support from the Centre, “Andhra Pradesh is poised for a new era of development.”

Major push for infrastructure and industrial growth

The projects, spread across key sectors such as industry, energy, roads, railways, and defence, aim to accelerate regional development and employment in the Rayalaseema and coastal regions. Modi emphasized that the initiatives will “open new doors of prosperity and employment across every district of Rayalaseema,” reaffirming his government’s vision of “Swarna Andhra” as part of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Transmission System Strengthening at Kurnool-III Pooling Station, a Rs 2,880 crore project to enhance renewable energy transmission capacity by 6,000 MVA. He said the initiative will help meet India’s growing energy demands and ensure reliable power for industries and households.

In a major industrial boost, foundation stones were laid for the Orvakal Industrial Area in Kurnool and Kopparthy Industrial Area in Kadapa, developed jointly by NICDIT and APIIC at a combined cost of Rs 4,920 crore. These hubs are expected to attract Rs 21,000 crore in investments and create nearly one lakh jobs, featuring world-class infrastructure under a “walk-to-work” concept.

Connectivity and transport projects to drive economic expansion

Emphasizing multi-modal connectivity as the backbone of development, Modi announced the six-lane Greenfield Highway from Sabbavaram to Sheelanagar, costing Rs 960 crore, to ease congestion in Visakhapatnam and boost trade. Six other road projects totaling Rs 1,140 crore, including bypasses, river bridges, and four-lane expansions, were also launched to improve safety and reduce travel time.

In the railway sector, projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore were unveiled. These include the Kottavalasa–Vizianagaram Fourth Railway Line, the Pendurti–Simhachalam Rail Flyover, and the doubling of sections between Kottavalasa–Boddavara and Shimiliguda–Gorapur. Modi said the upgrades will improve passenger convenience, facilitate smoother freight movement, and strengthen industrial and tourism growth across the region.

Energy sector projects to power Andhra’s progress

The Prime Minister inaugurated GAIL India’s Srikakulam–Angul Natural Gas Pipeline, built at Rs 1,730 crore, to supply clean fuel to 15 lakh households and industries. He also inaugurated Indian Oil’s LPG Bottling Plant at Chittoor, established at Rs 200 crore, which will fill 20,000 cylinders daily and serve over 7.2 lakh customers across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Highlighting India’s rapid progress in power generation, Modi noted that per capita electricity consumption has risen from under 1,000 units a decade ago to 1,400 units today. “From clean energy to total energy production, India is setting new records,” he said.

Defence and technology: Andhra emerges as a futuristic hub

In a major step toward self-reliance, Modi dedicated the Advanced Night Vision Products Factory at Nimmaluru in Krishna district, built by Bharat Electronics Limited at Rs 360 crore. The facility will produce advanced electro-optical systems for India’s defence forces, strengthening domestic manufacturing and exports.

He also announced that Andhra Pradesh will soon host Google’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in India, featuring global subsea cable connectivity at Visakhapatnam. “This will transform Visakhapatnam into a major global AI and connectivity hub,” the Prime Minister said, congratulating the people of the state for attracting a landmark investment.

Focus on citizen-centric reforms and inclusive growth

Reiterating his government’s focus on citizen welfare, Modi highlighted tax-free income up to Rs 12 lakh, affordable healthcare, and Ayushman cards for senior citizens. He also praised the launch of the “Super GST – Super Savings” campaign under Nara Lokesh, announcing next-generation GST reforms expected to save Rs 8,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh residents.

“As we move toward a developed India, the dream of a developed Andhra Pradesh is central to our national vision,” Modi concluded, extending congratulations to the people of the state for the new projects that promise jobs, investment, and inclusive growth.