Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched development projects worth around ₹13,430 crore in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The initiatives span key sectors including infrastructure, energy, defence manufacturing, railways, and industry, marking a major push for the state’s economic growth and connectivity.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister invoked blessings from Lord Narasimha Swamy of Ahobilam and Shri Mahanandishwara Swamy of Mahanandi, as well as revered saints and freedom fighters of the region. “Andhra Pradesh is a land of pride and rich culture, as well as a hub of science and innovation,” he said, highlighting the state’s limitless potential and the capabilities of its youth.
PM Modi stressed that Andhra Pradesh now has both a visionary leadership under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, and strong support from the Centre to accelerate growth. He pointed to the rapid development over the last 16 months as a sign of growing synergy between Delhi and Amaravati.
The Prime Minister announced the launch and foundation laying of several infrastructure projects that will strengthen state connectivity. This includes a six-lane greenfield highway between Sabbavaram and Sheelanagar worth ₹960 crore, aimed at easing congestion in Visakhapatnam. Six additional road projects worth over ₹1,140 crore were also inaugurated.
In the railway sector, projects worth more than ₹1,200 crore were unveiled, including the Kottavalasa–Vizianagaram Fourth Railway Line and rail flyovers between Pendurti and Simhachalam North. These initiatives are expected to ease passenger movement, enhance freight transportation, and provide fresh momentum to industries in the region.
Underscoring the importance of energy security, PM Modi launched a ₹3,000 crore transmission project at the Kurnool-III Pooling Station, which will enhance renewable energy transmission capacity. He also dedicated the Srikakulam-Angul Natural Gas Pipeline of GAIL (India) Limited, and inaugurated Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s LPG bottling plant in Chittoor, expected to serve over 7.2 lakh consumers.
To boost manufacturing and employment, the foundation stones were laid for the Orvakal and Kopparthy Industrial Areas, jointly developed by National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust and Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd, with an investment of over ₹4,920 crore. These hubs are expected to attract investments worth ₹21,000 crore and generate nearly one lakh jobs.
Strengthening India’s defence ecosystem, PM Modi inaugurated the Advanced Night Vision Products Factory at Nimmaluru in Krishna district, set up by Bharat Electronics Limited at a cost of ₹360 crore. The facility will produce advanced electro-optical systems for the armed forces, enhancing self-reliance and creating skilled employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister highlighted a major investment by Google, which is set to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in Andhra Pradesh. The project includes the creation of a new International Subsea Gateway at Visakhapatnam, featuring multiple subsea cables that will connect India’s eastern coast to the world. “This will establish Visakhapatnam as a major hub for AI and global connectivity,” he said, congratulating the people of the state.
Expressing satisfaction at Andhra Pradesh’s resolve to develop Kurnool as India’s drone hub, the Prime Minister noted that the sector will drive futuristic technologies and generate new employment opportunities. He linked this vision to the success of indigenous technologies during Operation Sindoor.
PM Modi also highlighted tax relief and citizen-centric reforms, noting that income up to ₹12 lakh is now tax-free, and new GST reductions are expected to generate over ₹8,000 crore in savings for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Reiterating his vision for 2047, the Prime Minister said, “The dream of a developed India will be realized through a developed Andhra Pradesh.” He praised the contributions of Rayalaseema to the state’s growth and said that the projects launched in Kurnool will create new opportunities for employment and prosperity across the region.
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer, Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, and other dignitaries.