“Andhra Pradesh always had potential to become growth engine for Viksit Bharat”: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Andhra Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a key growth engine for Viksit Bharat (Developed India), asserting that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is accelerating the state’s development through major infrastructure and industrial projects.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, the Prime Minister said the Centre and the state government were working together to drive Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth.
“Andhra Pradesh has always possessed the potential to become a growth engine for ‘Viksit Bharat’. To ensure that our efforts for the state’s development moved forward at the speed of a ‘double-engine’ government, I had sought the people’s mandate. Today, under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, the entire NDA team is working for Andhra Pradesh at double the speed,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the Centre’s investment in railway infrastructure, the Prime Minister said projects worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore are currently under implementation in the state to improve connectivity with major industrial centres.
“To ensure seamless connectivity between this region and the country’s major industrial hubs, railway projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore are currently underway in Andhra Pradesh. The state’s entire rail network has been electrified, and more than 70 railway stations are being modernised,” he said.
PM Modi also underscored the importance of harnessing the state’s young talent through investments in advanced technology sectors, particularly semiconductor manufacturing.
“It is crucial that Andhra Pradesh and the nation derive maximum benefit from the talent of our youth. To this end, our focus is now on futuristic technology sectors, such as the semiconductor industry. The laying of the foundation stone for the new semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam marks a significant step in this direction,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, whose passenger terminal has been designed to provide a modern, seamless and efficient travel experience. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the airport incorporates advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies and sustainability features to enhance operational efficiency and meet future aviation requirements.
The airport is expected to strengthen air connectivity in the region while boosting tourism, trade, investment and employment generation in Andhra Pradesh.
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Mysuru, Karnataka, where he will inaugurate the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka at the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama and address a public gathering, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
(With inputs from ANI)
