Context:
PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated infrastructure works worth ₹58,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh. Ceremony held near the Secretariat in Guntur district, with virtual participation for select projects.
Amaravati Capital Development
- Amaravati Revived: Modi restarted the stalled capital city works at Amaravati, originally launched by him in 2015 under the TDP regime.
- Past Delays: Development halted due to the three-capital policy of the YSR Congress Party government.
- Renewed Commitment: Modi assured full Central support and declared that all obstacles are now cleared for Amaravati’s development.
- Future Vision: Projected Amaravati as a hub for IT, AI, green energy, education, healthcare, and clean industries.
- Cultural Sentiment: Quoting in Telugu, Modi said, “Amaravati oka nagaram kaadu, oka Shakti” (Amaravati is not a city, it’s a force).
Infrastructure Projects Highlights
- National Highways & Railways: Over ₹9,000 crore allocated to railway projects, with broad emphasis on inter-state connectivity.
- Defence Sector: Foundation laid for a Missile Testing Range at Nagayalanka (Krishna district) to bolster the national defence ecosystem.
- River Linking Support: Backing extended for Polavaram project, aimed at harnessing Godavari and Krishna rivers for irrigation and water supply.
Socio-Economic Initiatives
- Inclusive Development Focus: Emphasis on empowering farmers, youth, women, and the poor, with targeted welfare schemes.
- Central-State Collaboration: PM reaffirmed that joint efforts with CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan would fulfill the dream of “Viksit Andhra” envisioned by N.T. Rama Rao.
