Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking his first trip to the state after securing his third consecutive term in office in 2024. The visit was welcomed with grandeur, as Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan greeted the Prime Minister upon his arrival. The event was further highlighted by a roadshow featuring PM Modi, CM Naidu, and actor-turned-politician Kalyan, drawing significant public attention and political symbolism.
During his visit, PM Modi underscored the significance of Andhra Pradesh’s developmental trajectory, unveiling and laying the foundation for projects worth over ₹2.08 lakh crore. In his address, Chief Minister Naidu described the day as a historic milestone for the state, emphasizing that the projects announced are pivotal for boosting economic growth, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.
One of the centerpiece initiatives announced was the NTPC Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka in Anakapalli district, with an investment of ₹1.85 lakh crore. Spanning 1,200 acres near the Gangavaram Seaport, the project aims to produce green chemicals, including green ammonia, methanol, and urea, while generating approximately 57,000 jobs by 2032. The hub, developed in collaboration with NTPC Green Energy Limited and the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP), also includes plans for logistics infrastructure and desalination plants.
In addition to the Green Hydrogen Hub, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the ₹1,518 crore Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub, which is expected to create employment opportunities for 50,000 people across a 2,500-acre area. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for a ₹1,877 crore Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli. This initiative aims to attract investments worth ₹11,542 crore and create 54,000 jobs, cementing Andhra Pradesh’s role as a critical player in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
To enhance transportation and connectivity, PM Modi initiated key railway projects, including the doubling of railway lines between Guntur-Bibinagar and Gooty-Pendekallu. These projects are aimed at improving regional connectivity and boosting economic activity. Additionally, he laid the foundation for the South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) headquarters in Visakhapatnam, fulfilling a long-pending demand under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The Prime Minister also announced the development of the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City) in Tirupati district under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. With an estimated investment of ₹10,500 crore, this industrial node is projected to create nearly one lakh direct and indirect jobs, further positioning Andhra Pradesh as an industrial powerhouse.
Addressing a public gathering at Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, where over 1.5 lakh people were in attendance, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the sustainable development of Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the strategic importance of the announced projects, particularly in areas such as clean energy, industrial growth, and infrastructure.
The visit also included the inauguration of the six-lane bypass on National Highway 16 at Chilakaluripet, along with several other road and railway infrastructure projects valued collectively at ₹19,500 crore. These developments are expected to address logistical bottlenecks and reduce transit time for industries operating in the region.
The political significance of PM Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. It marks a strong show of unity among the ruling coalition, comprising the TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena Party. The mobilization of tens of thousands of supporters for the roadshow and public meeting demonstrated the alliance’s robust grassroots presence in Andhra Pradesh.
The event also served as a platform to address pressing regional challenges, including industrial stagnation, employment generation, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on green energy projects and infrastructure development, PM Modi positioned Andhra Pradesh as a key beneficiary of India’s ambitious clean energy and industrial modernization initiatives.
As the Prime Minister departed Visakhapatnam for Bhubaneswar in the evening, the visit left behind an optimistic outlook for Andhra Pradesh’s economic future. With projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore poised to transform the state, the emphasis on job creation, sustainable energy, and industrial growth reflects a strategic alignment with India’s broader developmental goals. This landmark visit not only reinforced the BJP-led coalition’s commitment to Andhra Pradesh but also signaled a forward-looking vision for the state’s prosperity in the years ahead.