In a significant push for Andhra Pradesh's development, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu presented a detailed and ambitious wish list to the Union government during his visit to New Delhi on Friday. The comprehensive list seeks substantial financial support and crucial approvals for a wide array of infrastructure and developmental projects spanning ports, fisheries, metro rail, irrigation, and more.
Key Demands for Backward Areas and Water Security
During a pivotal meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Naidu focused on uplifting backward regions. He urged the Centre to prioritize backward areas of Andhra Pradesh under the Purvodaya programme. Specifically, he proposed the inclusion of the four districts of Rayalaseema along with Prakasam district in this scheme.
The Chief Minister outlined that funds from Purvodaya would be strategically deployed for enhancing rural connectivity, modernizing irrigation systems, creating critical infrastructure, developing industrial corridors, establishing food-processing clusters, and improving healthcare and education facilities. He emphasized the need for simplified administrative norms and greater flexibility to allocate funds based on the state's unique requirements.
A major highlight of the discussion was the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link project. Naidu stressed its paramount importance for ensuring water security in the state. He explained that the project is designed to divert 200 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of Godavari river floodwaters into drought-prone regions, thereby providing irrigation and drinking water to Prakasam, Rayalaseema, and Nellore districts. Naidu requested top priority for the project and sought budgetary support in the 2026–27 Union Budget, similar to the assistance previously extended for Amaravati capital works. He informed the minister that a preliminary project report has already been submitted to the Jal Shakti ministry.
Major Funding Requests: Horticulture and Fiscal Support
In a bold move, Naidu pressed for a dedicated Rayalaseema Horticulture Development Package. He detailed that 18 export-oriented crops are cultivated across Rayalaseema and parts of Prakasam district, with 93 horticulture clusters across eight districts benefiting approximately 33.7 lakh farmers. The state has a plan to expand the horticulture area from the current 8.48 lakh hectares to 12.28 lakh hectares by 2029.
To achieve this vision, the Chief Minister estimated a massive funding requirement of ₹41,000 crore over three years and formally requested its announcement in the 2026–27 Union Budget.
Recognizing the state's fiscal challenges, Naidu also sought immediate relief under the SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme. He requested a grant of ₹10,054 crore for the current financial year. Furthermore, he pushed for the early release of funds for several pending projects, including the Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam, the reconstruction of Havelock Bridge under the Akhanda Godavari initiative, the Gandikota tourism project, three working women's hostels, and various infrastructure projects related to roads, MSME parks, irrigation, housing, and healthcare.
Project-Specific Push with Union Ministers
In a separate meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, Naidu sought early approval for declaring Dugarajapatnam as a national mega shipbuilding and ship repair cluster. He highlighted that the state has already earmarked 3,488 acres of land, completed the techno-economic feasibility report, and planned for MSME-linked ancillary units. Additionally, he requested central support of Rs 590.91 crore for developing fishing harbours, which includes Rs 150 crore under the Sagarmala programme for the proposed Vodarevu harbour.
With Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister urged for expedited approvals to the revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail Projects. He cited the rapidly rising urban transport demand as a critical reason for fast-tracking these projects.
During discussions with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Naidu extended an invitation for the foundation-stone laying ceremony of the proposed BPCL greenfield refinery in Nellore district. This mega project involves a colossal investment of Rs 96,862 crore. The Chief Minister informed Puri that the state government has allotted 6,000 acres for the project, the public hearing has been successfully completed, and the project is now awaiting environmental clearances.
This series of high-level meetings underscores the Naidu-led government's aggressive push to secure central assistance and clearances, aiming to accelerate infrastructure development and economic growth across various sectors in Andhra Pradesh.
