Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and dedicated to the nation a slew of development projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, on May 2, 2025, signaling a massive push for infrastructure development and economic growth in the state. The projects span across key sectors including transportation, railways, defense, and urban development, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming Andhra Pradesh into a modern, thriving hub.
Lauding the state’s blend of tradition and progress, PM Modi emphasized the projects were not mere concrete structures but the robust foundation of Andhra Pradesh’s aspirations and India’s vision for development. With a mix of inauguration ceremonies, foundation laying, and dedications, the day showcased a comprehensive plan to propel Andhra Pradesh forward, energizing the state’s economy and promising a brighter future.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable development in Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing that the infrastructure projects in Amaravati would incorporate green building principles and renewable energy solutions. The trunk infrastructure and flood mitigation projects, worth over ₹17,400 crore, will feature advanced flood management systems designed to protect the city from environmental challenges while preserving the region’s ecological balance.
Modi announced that Amaravati would serve as a model for environmentally conscious urban development, with plans to integrate solar power, water conservation measures, and green spaces throughout the city’s 320 km world-class transport network. This approach aligns with India’s climate commitments while ensuring that Andhra Pradesh’s growth remains sustainable for future generations./newsdrum-in/media/media_files/2025/05/02/H3Y5DFRjgsBN6qYIQoOm.jpg)
Amaravati’s Transformation: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Prime Minister Modi envisioned Amaravati as more than just a city, emphasizing its role as a dream realized – a new Andhra that harmonizes tradition with progress. Quoting that Indra Lok’s capital was once called Amaravati, he highlighted that this was not a mere coincidence but a positive sign for the creation of ‘Swarna Andhra’, which will strengthen India’s path toward development.
He lauded the city’s blend of spiritual heritage, referencing Bhagwan Veerabhadra, Bhagwan Amaralingeshwara, and Tirupati Balaji, with a forward-looking embrace of technology and innovation. He envisioned Amaravati as a hub for IT, AI, green energy, education, and healthcare, underscoring the city’s potential to become a leading center for growth in the coming years. The Prime Minister pledged full support from the Central Government to accelerate infrastructure development across these sectors, aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem where the dreams of Andhra Pradesh’s youth can come to fruition.
Connectivity Boost: Highway and Railway Projects to Revitalize Andhra
A significant portion of the ₹58,000 crore investment is dedicated to enhancing connectivity within Andhra Pradesh and with neighboring states. PM Modi inaugurated seven National Highway projects, which include the widening of various sections, construction of road over bridges, and subways. These projects are designed to improve road safety, reduce travel times, and provide seamless connectivity to key religious and tourist sites like Tirupati, Srikalahasti, and Udayagiri Fort.
He also dedicated railway projects to the nation, including the doubling of the rail line between Bugganapalle Cement Nagar and Panyam stations, and the construction of a third rail line between New West Block Hut Cabin and Vijayawada stations, aimed at boosting capacity and connectivity between Rayalaseema and Amaravati. Furthermore, the foundation stone was laid for six new National Highway projects and one railway project, focusing on reducing congestion and improving overall logistics efficiency. Modi emphasized that these infrastructure upgrades will not only enhance the ease of travel but also stimulate economic activity by facilitating access to larger markets for farmers and improving logistical efficiency for industries.
Defence Boost: Missile Testing Range to Fortify India’s Security
In a major boost to India’s defense capabilities, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for a new missile testing range at Nagayalanka in Andhra Pradesh, worth approximately ₹1,460 crore. This state-of-the-art facility will comprise a launch center, technical instrumentation facilities, indigenous radars, telemetry, and electro-optical systems, significantly enhancing the country’s defense preparedness.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Nava Durga Testing Range would serve as a force multiplier for India’s defense capabilities, drawing strength from Maa Durga’s divine power. He congratulated the nation’s scientists and the people of Andhra Pradesh for this landmark achievement, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s pivotal role in establishing India as a space and defense power. Modi also announced a new defense institution for the region, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s security infrastructure.
Building a Developed India: Focus on Key Pillars and Welfare Schemes
Prime Minister Modi reiterated his vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), emphasizing that the foundation of this developed nation rests on four key pillars: the poor, farmers, youth, and women empowerment. He highlighted the government’s commitment to prioritizing farmers’ welfare, noting that nearly ₹12 lakh crore has been spent over the past 10 years to provide affordable fertilizers, while thousands of new and advanced seed varieties have been distributed to boost agricultural productivity.
Under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers in Andhra Pradesh have received claim settlements worth ₹5,500 crore, and more than ₹17,500 crore has been directly transferred to the accounts of lakhs of farmers in Andhra Pradesh under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. The Prime Minister also underscored the government’s focus on expanding irrigation projects and river-linking initiatives to ensure water reaches every farm, emphasizing that the Polavaram Project has gained fresh momentum with the new state government. Modi reaffirmed that the government is fully supporting the state government to accelerate the completion of the Polavaram Project, which will transform the lives of millions of people in Andhra Pradesh.
Economic Impact: Job Creation and Industrial Growth
The massive investment in infrastructure projects is expected to have a significant multiplier effect on Andhra Pradesh’s economy. The construction activities alone will create thousands of jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, providing a much-needed boost to employment rates. Moreover, the improved connectivity will facilitate the movement of goods and services, reducing transportation costs and enhancing the competitiveness of local industries. The establishment of the missile testing range and associated defense industries will attract investments in advanced technology and manufacturing, further diversifying the state’s economy and creating high-skilled jobs for the youth. The development of Amaravati as a modern IT and AI hub will also attract global tech companies and startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure Development: Modernizing Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the extensive efforts over the past decade to modernize India’s infrastructure, noting that Andhra Pradesh is benefiting significantly from this progress. Thousands of crores worth of road and rail projects have been allocated to the state, accelerating its development and improving connectivity with neighboring states. Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a new era of connectivity, which will enhance district-to-district links and improve connectivity with neighboring states. Farmers will find it easier to access larger markets, and industries will benefit from improved logistical efficiency. The tourism and pilgrimage sectors will also gain momentum, making key religious sites more accessible.
Railways: A Transformative Period for Andhra Pradesh
Modi emphasized that the past decade has been a transformative period for Indian Railways, with the Government of India allocating record funds for railway development in Andhra Pradesh. Between 2009 and 2014, the combined railway budget for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was less than ₹900 crore, whereas today, Andhra Pradesh alone has a railway budget exceeding ₹9,000 crore, marking an increase of more than tenfold. “With the enhanced railway budget, Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% railway electrification”, stated the Prime Minister, noting that the state now operates eight pairs of modern Vande Bharat trains, along with the Amrit Bharat train, which passes through Andhra Pradesh.
He further highlighted that over the past 10 years, more than 750 rail flyovers and underpasses have been constructed across the state, ensuring world-class infrastructure for passengers.
DRDO’s Missile Testing Range: A Strategic Asset
The establishment of the missile testing range at Nagayalanka is a strategic asset that will enhance India’s defense capabilities. The state-of-the-art facility will enable the testing and development of advanced missile systems, providing Indian scientists and engineers with the necessary infrastructure to innovate and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of defense technology. The testing range will also contribute to the growth of the local economy by attracting investments in related industries and creating employment opportunities for skilled workers.
PM Ekta Mall: Celebrating India’s Diversity
Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone of PM Ekta Mall at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam, envisioned with the objective of fostering national integration, supporting the Make in India initiative, promoting One District One Product, generating employment opportunities, empowering rural artisans, and enhancing the market presence of indigenous products. These malls will connect people with India’s rich diversity, while boosting the local economy and strengthening the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” vision.
The massive investment in Andhra Pradesh signals a strong commitment from the central government to transform the state into a modern, thriving hub. With a focus on infrastructure, connectivity, defense, and welfare schemes, the projects launched by Prime Minister Modi promise to propel Andhra Pradesh forward, energizing the economy, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for millions of people. The blend of tradition and progress, combined with a strategic vision for the future, sets the stage for Andhra Pradesh to become a key player in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
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