Prime Minister Modi said Amaravati is "oka shakti" (a force) that will transform Andhra Pradesh into an "adhunik pradesh" (modern state).
Published May 02, 2025 | 7:18 PM ⚊ Updated May 02, 2025 | 7:19 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched or laid the foundation stones for close to 100 projects worth ₹57,962 crore in the Amaravati region. (X)
Synopsis: Modi said the relaunch of Amaravati works was a dream coming true for him. Invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga Bhavani in Vijayawada, he hoped that the Amaravati initiative would not only benefit Andhra Pradesh but also contribute to the national “Viksit Bharat” mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 2 May, assured full support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s dream of developing the state’s greenfield capital in Amaravati.
Modi’s assurance has come as a much-needed morale booster for the state, which is yet to recover from the trauma of bifurcation in 2014, which left it without a capital.
Speaking after the relaunch of the stalled Amaravati works at a gala function organised behind the interim Secretariat at Velagapudi in Amaravati, Modi pressed the reset button for the capital’s development, recognising its role as a growth driver for modern India.
He laid the foundation stones and launched several projects — 94 works in total — valued at ₹57,962 crore in the Amaravati area. The works included a few central projects.
He, however, did not announce any specific fresh financial assistance but assured his unwavering support to Chief Minister Naidu who prioritised the use of technology and putting together robust infrastructure.
Modi said the relaunch of Amaravati works was a dream coming true for him. Invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga Bhavani in Vijayawada, he hoped that the Amaravati initiative would not only benefit Andhra Pradesh but also contribute to the national “Viksit Bharat” mission.
“Amaravati will be a cornerstone of our collective vision for a developed India,” Modi stated.
Modi repeatedly praised Naidu’s technological expertise, recalling their interactions when the latter developed Hyderabad’s Cyberabad.
“When I became Gujarat’s chief minister, I closely observed Naidu’s work in Hyderabad and learned a great deal. I sent officials to Hyderabad to see how Naidu was going about the groundwork. Naidu now calls me tech-savvy, but no one surpasses him in technology,” Modi said, sharing a light-hearted moment.
“If any major technology project has to be conceived or taken up or grounded or commissioned, it is possible only with Chandrababu Naidu,” he said.
He also lauded Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, describing him as an embodiment of energy and power, and expressed confidence in the NDA coalition, comprising Naidu, Kalyan, and the BJP, to drive transformative development in the state.
Reflecting on history, Modi recalled the vision of late NT Rama Rao for a developed Andhra Pradesh.
“NTR dreamed of a Viksit Andhra Pradesh, and we must make it the growth engine for Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Switching to Telugu, he added, “Pawan Kalyan, idi manamu cheyyali, maname cheyyali,” stressing the collective responsibility, “We have to do it, and we alone have to do it.”
Modi expressed optimism about Andhra Pradesh’s future, stating, “There is no shortage of dreamers or those who can turn dreams into reality. Andhra Pradesh is on the right path and gaining momentum.”
He noted Naidu’s ambitious timeline to complete Amaravati in three years, predicting a significant boost to the state’s GDP once the capital is fully developed.
“I assure the NDA government in the state that the central government will work tirelessly to make your dreams come true,” he affirmed.
Referring to investments, Modi announced that projects worth ₹58,000 crore were either being inaugurated or having their foundation stones laid.
“Amaravati is not just concrete structures; it is the hope for tomorrow and the foundation for Viksit Bharat,” he said.
The prime minister visualised Amaravati as a hub for IT, AI, green energy, and clean industries, creating vast employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Recalling his long-standing support for Amaravati since its inception in 2015, post-bifurcation, Modi noted that the central government has consistently backed the project.
“All obstacles that emerged have now been cleared,” he assured, signalling a renewed push for the capital’s development.
Modi also highlighted central government initiatives, including a DRDO missile test range in Nagayalanka, in erstwhile Krishna district, to bolster national defense.
He stressed the importance of road infrastructure for economic growth, citing the Renigunta–Nayudupet road project, which will improve access for people to Tirupati and facilitate faster darshan at the Lord Balaji temple.
Modi also underscored the need for an extensive railway network, noting that modern Amrit Bharat trains will soon pass through Andhra Pradesh.
“Improved connectivity will empower farmers to reach markets and boost tourism,” Modi said.
He explained that infrastructure development would have a multiplier effect, stimulating growth in sectors like cement, steel, and manufacturing, thereby creating more jobs. He said Amaravati is “oka shakti” (a force) that will transform Andhra Pradesh into an “Adhunik Pradesh” (modern state).
“Together, we will strengthen the foundation for a Viksit Bharat,” he declared.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
