New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Rs. Laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore. While paying tribute to Lord Singhchalam Varaha Lakshmi Narsingh Swami, Modi had said that after 60 years, with the blessings of the people, the central government has been elected in the country for the third consecutive time. He had added that this was his first program officially in Andhra Pradesh after the formation of the government. Before this event, Modi had thanked the people for giving him a grand welcome during the road show. He added that he respected every word and every sentiment of Shri Chandrababu Naidu during his speech.

Modi had said, “Our Andhra Pradesh is a state of possibilities and opportunities.” He noted that, when these possibilities are realized, Andhra Pradesh will develop and India will become a developed nation. The Prime Minister had emphatically said that development of Andhra Pradesh is our vision and serving the people of Andhra Pradesh is our commitment. Shri Modi had said that Andhra Pradesh has set a target of becoming a 2.5 trillion dollar economy by the year 2047. He noted that, to realize this vision, the government of Shri Chandrababu Naidu has launched the ‘Golden Andhra@2047’ initiative. The Prime Minister had emphatically said that the Central Government is working closely with Andhra Pradesh to achieve every target. He had added that the Central Government is giving special priority to Andhra Pradesh in various projects worth lakhs of crores. The Prime Minister had noted that today Rs. Various projects worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore have been inaugurated and he congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh and the entire country for these developmental projects.

Highlighting that Andhra Pradesh is an important center of IT and technology due to its innovative nature, the Prime Minister had said, “The time has come for Andhra Pradesh to become the center of future technologies.” He stressed the importance of becoming leaders in emerging technologies like green hydrogen. Shri Modi noted that the National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in the year 2023, which aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by the year 2030. He added that, in the initial phase, two green hydrogen hubs will be established, one of which will be in Visakhapatnam. The Prime Minister had said that Visakhapatnam will be among the few cities globally where large-scale green hydrogen production facilities will be available. He highlighted that this green hydrogen hub will create numerous employment opportunities and develop manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.

Modi had noted that he got the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Bulk Drug Park project at Nakkapalli. He emphatically said that Andhra Pradesh is one of the three states in the country where such parks are being established. The Prime Minister stressed that this park will provide excellent infrastructure for production and research, which will benefit local pharma companies, while increasing the enthusiasm and confidence of investors.

The Prime Minister noted that the government sees urbanization as an opportunity and aims to make Andhra Pradesh an example of new age urbanization. He had added that, to realize this vision, today the foundation stone was laid for Krishnapatnam Industrial Area, also known as Chris City. He noted that this smart city will be a part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, which will attract investments worth thousands of crores and create millions of industrial jobs in Andhra Pradesh.

Emphasizing that Sri City is already benefiting Andhra Pradesh as a production center, Modi had emphatically said that the aim is to ensure that Andhra Pradesh gets a place among the top states of the country in the industrial and manufacturing sector. The Prime Minister stressed that the Government is promoting manufacturing through initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, as a result of which India is ranked among the top countries in the world for the production of various products.

The Prime Minister noted that the foundation stone for the headquarters of the South Coast Railway zone was laid at Visakhapatnam, the new city. He stressed the importance of this development for Andhra Pradesh, which had long been demanding a separate railway zone.

The Prime Minister had said that the establishment of the headquarters of the South Coast Railway Zone will expand agricultural and business activities in the region and provide new opportunities for tourism and the local economy. He also mentioned the inauguration and foundation stone laying of connectivity project worth thousands of crores. Shri Modi had said that Andhra Pradesh is among the states with 100 percent railway electrification and more than 70 railway stations have been developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He said that seven Vande Bharat trains and Amrit Bharat trains are being operated for ease of travel for the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Modi had said, “An infrastructural revolution in Andhra Pradesh with best connectivity and facilities will bring about a change in the scenario of the state.” He noted that this development will increase the ease of living and ease of doing business, which will form the foundation of Andhra Pradesh’s $2.5 trillion economy.

Noting that the coasts of Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh have been the gateway to India’s trade for centuries and have significant importance, the Prime Minister stressed on promoting the blue economy on a war footing by making full use of the maritime opportunities. He laid emphasis on modernization of Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbor to increase the income and business of people associated with fisheries. He mentioned the provision of facilities like Kisan Credit Card to fishermen and steps taken to ensure maritime security.

Modi had stressed the government’s commitment to all-inclusive and complete development in every sector, so that the benefits of development reach all sections of the society. He reiterated the commitment of the Central Government to build a prosperous and modern Andhra Pradesh. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone for the various projects being inaugurated today to ensure prosperity of the people of Andhra Pradesh.