Visakhapatnam, January 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised Andhra Pradesh as a state of "possibilities and opportunities" and reaffirmed the Centre's committment to its development.
Speaking at a public rally in Visakhapatnam, PM Modi emphasized that the state's growth is integral to India's path towards becoming a developed nation.
"Our Andhra Pradesh is a state of possibilities and opportunities. When these possibilities in Andhra are realized, Andhra too will become developed, and only then will India become a developed nation. The development of Andhra is our vision and serving the people of Andhra is our resolve," he said.
He also mentioned that Andhra Pradesh has set a goal to become a USD 2.5 trillion economy by 2047.
"To realize this vision, Chandrababu Naidu's government has launched the 'Swarna Andhra-2047' initiative. The central NDA government is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Andhra Pradesh to achieve this goal. The central government is fully supporting this vision with special priority to projects worth lakhs of crores. Today, over Rs 2 lakh crore worth of projects were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid. This will take Andhra Pradesh's development to new heights," PM Modi said.
PM Modi further said that Visakhapatnam will become a major hub for green hydrogen production, helping create numerous job opportunities and a robust manufacturing ecosystem.
He also laid the foundation for the Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli, one of the three such parks being set up in India.
"Our government views urbanization as an opportunity, and we aim to make Andhra Pradesh an example of new-age urbanization. To realize this vision, today the foundation stone for the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area has been laid," PM said, speaking about the development of smart cities and industrial parks in Andhra Pradesh.
The Prime Minister praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's vision and speech, calling it impactful.
"A government has been elected for the third consecutive time in the country, after a gap of 60 years. This is my first official program in Andhra after the formation of the government for the third time. The wonderful welcome you gave me, the blessings from the people along the way, and today, N Chandrababu Naidu has hit all the sixes in his speech. I respect the spirit of each of his words and sentiments. I assure the people of Andhra Pradesh and the country that the sentiments expressed by Chandrababu today will be achieved together," said PM Modi.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu hailed PM Modi in his speech, saying, "You (PM Modi) are always for development. I draw inspiration from you and learn many lessons from you. Until yesterday, Amaravati was in a state of uncertainty. Now, you must visit to witness the progress where you laid the foundation. We are finally going to complete it. You will inaugurate Amaravati, one of the finest cities, just as you envisioned."
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan said that the public's trust in the NDA-led government paved the way for the current phase of development.
"Without vision, even if a person walks from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, it would be meaningless. However, if a person with vision unites people from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, it is called Atmanirbhar Bharat. Similarly, if he educates people to keep their surroundings clean, it is Swachh Bharat. Furthermore, if he instils patriotism in the hearts of every citizen, it leads to Akhand Bharat. The public trusted the NDA-led government and cast their votes, paving the way for the current phase of development. The state, which once suffered from corruption and lack of employment opportunities, is now on the path to progress," Pawan Kalyan said.
Earlier, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for several key projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore in the state, including the state-of-the-art NTPC Green Energy Limited Green Hydrogen Hub Project at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, which is the first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The project entails an investment of approx. Rs 1,85,000 Crore. This will include investment in 20 GW renewable energy capacities, making it one of India's largest integrated green hydrogen production facilities with a capacity of producing 1500 TPD Green Hydrogen and 7500 TPD Green Hydrogen derivatives including Green Methanol, Green Urea and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, primarily targeting the export market.
The project will contribute substantially in achieving India's non-fossil energy capacity target of 500 GW by 2030.
Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated several railway and road projects worth over Rs 19,500 crore, aimed at reducing congestion, improving connectivity, and boosting regional social and economic growth.
He also laid the foundation for the Bulk Drug Park at Anakapalli district's Nakkapalli, which will create thousands of jobs and accelerate economic growth, and the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City), a smart industrial city expected to create 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
