PM Modi Unveils ₹13,430 Crore Development Projects in Andhra Pradesh, Emphasizing 'Viksit Bharat' Vision

Prime Minister Modi Launches Key Projects in Andhra Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, October 16, 2025, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of developmental projects valued at approximately ₹13,430 crore in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The extensive initiatives are designed to bolster infrastructure, accelerate industrial growth, and drive socio-economic progress across the state, covering critical sectors such as power, roads, railways, defence manufacturing, and petroleum and natural gas.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Governor S Abdul Nazeer, and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan. Prior to the main event in Kurnool, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Srisailam and visited the Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra.

Major Investments Across Core Sectors

The projects include significant investments aimed at enhancing connectivity, energy security, and industrial capacity:

• Power and Energy: A foundation stone was laid for the Transmission System Strengthening at Kurnool-III Pooling Station, a project exceeding ₹2,880 crore. This includes a 765 KV double-circuit Kurnool-III Pooling Station-Chilakaluripeta transmission line, set to increase transformation capacity by 6,000 MVA and facilitate large-scale renewable energy transmission. Additionally, the Srikakulam–Angul natural gas pipeline by GAIL, costing ₹1,730 crore, and an Indian Oil LPG bottling plant in Chittoor, established at ₹200 crore with a daily capacity of 20,000 cylinders, were inaugurated.
• Industrial Development: Foundation stones were laid for the Orvakal Industrial Area in Kurnool and the Kopparthy Industrial Area in Kadapa, with a combined investment of over ₹4,920 crore. These industrial hubs are projected to attract more than ₹21,000 crore in investments and generate approximately one lakh jobs.
• Defence Manufacturing: The Bharat Electronics Limited's (BEL) Advanced Night Vision Products Factory at Nimmaluru in Krishna district, built with an investment of ₹360 crore, was inaugurated. This facility will produce advanced electro-optical systems for the armed forces, reinforcing self-reliance in defence production.
• Road and Rail Infrastructure: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a six-lane Greenfield Highway from Sabbavaram to Sheelanagar, costing over ₹960 crore, aimed at easing congestion in Visakhapatnam. Six other road projects worth over ₹1,140 crore were also inaugurated, including the four-laning of the Pileru–Kalur section and a four-lane Rail over Bridge (ROB) between Gudivada and Nujella Railway Stations on NH-165. In the railway sector, projects exceeding ₹1,200 crore were unveiled, including the foundation stone for the Kothavalasa-Vizianagaram Fourth Railway Line and the inauguration of the doubling of the Kottavalasa-Boddavara section.

Vision for a Developed India and Andhra Pradesh's Role

Addressing a public gathering in Kurnool, Prime Minister Modi articulated his vision for India's future, stating that the 21st century belongs to India and that the nation will achieve 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, marking 100 years of independence. He highlighted Andhra Pradesh's crucial role in the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, describing the state as a 'land of pride, culture, and innovation'.

The Prime Minister also outlined plans for Visakhapatnam to become an AI and Connectivity Hub, noting Google's investment in establishing India's first Artificial Intelligence Hub and an international subsea gateway in the state. He further lauded efforts to establish Kurnool as India's Drone Hub, anticipating new opportunities in futuristic sectors.