PM Modi Launches Development Projects Worth Over Rs. 17,900 Crore in Andhra Pradesh, Unveils Vision for Aviation, Semiconductor and Coastal Growth.

Bhogapuram (Vizianagaram):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs. 17,900 crore in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, describing the initiatives as a major boost to the state’s infrastructure, connectivity, clean energy and high-technology sectors.

Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister said the projects spanning aviation, roads, energy and semiconductors would accelerate Andhra Pradesh’s journey towards becoming a major economic growth engine while contributing significantly to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Swarna Andhra’.

Calling the occasion historic, Modi said the development works reflected the rapid pace of progress in Andhra Pradesh. He also congratulated more than 13,000 tribal women who created a world record by performing the traditional Dhimsa dance, describing the performance as a remarkable celebration of India’s rich tribal heritage and cultural diversity.

Paying tribute to freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, the Prime Minister said it was a matter of pride that a new airport was being inaugurated on the very land where the tribal leader dedicated his life to the welfare of indigenous communities. He announced that the airport would be named after Alluri Sitarama Raju, saying it would inspire every traveller to serve the nation.

Describing the new airport as a “runway for the growth of Andhra Pradesh and North Andhra,” Modi said it would serve as a launchpad for the aspirations of the state’s youth by improving regional connectivity, encouraging investment and boosting tourism.

Highlighting the transformation of India’s aviation sector over the past 12 years, the Prime Minister said the number of operational airports in the country had increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 today. He credited the Centre’s UDAN scheme for making air travel affordable for ordinary citizens and noted that the second phase of the programme had recently been launched with an investment of Rs. 29,000 crore.

He also referred to the newly introduced ‘Spoke Airport’ model, saying that after its implementation in Kashi, the initiative had now expanded to Amritsar, providing improved international connectivity to Punjab.

Focusing on industrial growth, Modi said Andhra Pradesh possesses immense potential because of its talented youth and entrepreneurial spirit. To harness this potential, he said the government was giving priority to future-oriented industries such as semiconductors.

“The foundation stone for the new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Visakhapatnam is a significant milestone in this direction. It will create a new ecosystem for advanced manufacturing, generate high-quality employment and strengthen India’s semiconductor mission,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major technology and manufacturing hub through investments in artificial intelligence, data centres and electronics manufacturing. Referring to Google’s proposed $15-billion campus, he said global companies were increasingly viewing Andhra Pradesh as an attractive investment destination.

Modi said the Centre was also supporting the development of a major Pharma Park at Nakkapalli, which would help establish Andhra Pradesh as one of India’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs.

On maritime infrastructure, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s Blue Economy by developing the state’s coastline into a Coastal Economic Corridor. He said existing ports from Visakhapatnam to Krishnapatnam were being modernised, while new ports were under construction at Mulapeta and Ramayapatnam.

He added that an extensive network of highways and expressways, including the Visakhapatnam-Raipur Expressway, was being developed to improve connectivity across the region. Railway projects worth nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore are also underway, with complete electrification of the network and the modernisation of more than 70 railway stations.

Modi said these transport projects, integrated under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, would reduce logistics costs, improve ease of doing business, strengthen exports and provide better market access to farmers and industries alike.

Speaking about renewable energy, the Prime Minister said the Rayalaseema region alone had attracted investments exceeding Rs. 5 lakh crore, underlining the government’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable industrial development.

The Prime Minister noted that during his last three visits to Andhra Pradesh, projects worth nearly Rs. 2 lakh crore had either been launched or initiated, reflecting the Centre’s sustained focus on the state’s development.

He expressed confidence that the latest infrastructure and industrial projects would generate employment, encourage private investment, strengthen manufacturing and transform the Visakhapatnam Economic Region into one of Asia’s leading economic hubs.

Concluding his address, Modi said the projects launched on Saturday would play a crucial role in fulfilling the vision of Swarna Andhra while contributing significantly to the goal of building a developed India.