Now is the Time for Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Modi at Visakhapatnam Rally
During his address at a public gathering in Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his speech in Telugu, paying respects to Lord Varaha Narasimha Swamy of Simhachalam. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Andhra Pradesh, acknowledging their unwavering support. Modi stated, “The love and affection shown by the people of Andhra Pradesh in electing me as Prime Minister for the third time will always remain unforgettable.”
Responding to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's earlier speech, Modi said that he understood the sentiments conveyed. He assured that the trust shown by the people and the state’s leadership would not be betrayed. “I will work relentlessly to help you achieve all your goals,” he added.
The Prime Minister praised the warm reception and blessings he received from the people, reiterating his commitment to supporting Andhra Pradesh’s aspirations. He emphasized that the state's development was critical to India's progress. "By 2047, Andhra Pradesh should emerge as a $2.5 trillion economy. The NDA government, under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu, is committed to achieving the ‘Swarna Andhra 2047’ vision, and the central government will stand shoulder to shoulder with you," Modi said. He further highlighted that the central government has directed significant attention towards Andhra Pradesh by launching projects worth billions of rupees.
On this occasion, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development works valued at over ₹2 lakh crore. He remarked that these projects would propel Andhra Pradesh to new heights of progress. Lauding the state’s creativity and innovation, he noted that Andhra Pradesh has become a major hub for IT and technology. “Now is the time for Andhra Pradesh to lead in emerging technologies,” Modi stated. He pointed out that the newly launched green hydrogen project in the state is a significant step towards such progress.
Modi elaborated on the nation’s ambitious green hydrogen initiative, noting that India aims to produce five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. He announced that two green hydrogen hubs would be established, with one located in the Visakhapatnam region. "In the future, Visakhapatnam will be recognized globally as a leading producer of green hydrogen. This hub will generate numerous employment opportunities and boost the manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh," Modi added.
He also mentioned laying the foundation stone for a bulk drug park in Nakkapalli, which he said would further accelerate industrial development. Modi highlighted the upcoming Kris City project in Krishnapatnam, which is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs. He noted that the South Coast Railway Zone would play a crucial role in the state’s growth, stating that the establishment of the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone will fulfill a long-standing demand of the people. This zone is expected to provide a significant boost to the agriculture and tourism sectors.
Modi proudly noted that seven Vande Bharat trains are already operational in Andhra Pradesh. As part of the Amrit Bharat initiative, over 70 railway stations in the state are being modernized. He underlined the historical importance of Visakhapatnam's coastline in trade and emphasized that fully utilizing maritime opportunities could pave the way for further development. Modi assured that the central government’s cooperation would always be available for a prosperous Andhra Pradesh. "The Centre will continue to support the vision of a developed Andhra Pradesh," he concluded.