Andhra Pradesh Unveils Fresh Development Push With Highway, Tourism and Solar Initiatives

Andhra Pradesh outlined a series of infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism and technology initiatives as the 31st CII Partnership Summit concluded in Visakhapatnam. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who attended the valedictory session, described the state as a crucial gateway connecting India with the global economy and said its growing investments in green energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing were strengthening its economic prospects.

He said the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision was aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047, adding that India's skilled workforce, technological capabilities and innovation ecosystem would play an important role in shaping the global economy. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer said increasing investor confidence and central support for projects such as Polavaram, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and the South Coast Railway Zone would accelerate the state's development.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the government's P4 programme, under which one lakh mentors had adopted 11 lakh economically weaker families. He said the initiative focused on improving living standards through guidance, empowerment and community support. He also advocated linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers to address water shortages and resolve disputes among southern states.

Naidu said the government was introducing faster industrial clearances, with approvals being provided within five days through 13 licences. Automatic approvals, self-certification and an escrow mechanism for industrial incentives were among the measures being implemented. He also highlighted plans to encourage women entrepreneurs through self-help groups and improve access to opportunities across the state.

Renewable energy received particular attention, with Naidu seeking central assistance to extend the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to 9,24,069 BC families. The first phase proposes 1,848 MW of rooftop solar capacity, requiring Rs.5,544 crore in central assistance and Rs.1,848 crore from the state. Eligible families would receive an additional state subsidy of Rs.20,000 each. Andhra Pradesh had already installed rooftop solar systems in 4,56,235 households and ranked fourth nationally as of October 13.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi praised the state's electricity reforms and renewable energy initiatives. He said Andhra Pradesh had agreements for 114 GW of clean energy capacity and highlighted the allocation of 7.8 lakh units under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari provided detailed updates on major highway developments. The national highway network in Andhra Pradesh has expanded from 4,100 km in 2014 to 8,700 km in 2026. The 1,100-km Surat-Chennai Expressway is expected to reduce travel time from 31 hours to 17 hours. The Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada corridor is targeted for completion by December 2027, while the Raipur-Visakhapatnam corridor has reached 96 per cent completion.

He also highlighted the proposed 195-km Amaravati Outer Ring Road, port connectivity projects and the Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Machilipatnam highway expansion. Gadkari said improved logistics infrastructure and alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and green hydrogen would strengthen India's economic competitiveness.

Meanwhile, IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, during a podcast hosted by actor Rana Daggubati, outlined plans to develop Visakhapatnam into a creative economy hub. He said around 17 star hotels were under construction in the city and stressed the need for better hospitality infrastructure. The government is also exploring film production facilities, animation, gaming and digital content industries. Rana offered to prepare a blueprint for the initiative and work towards starting film production activities in Visakhapatnam within a year.

Lokesh also discussed establishing Centres of Excellence for cinema, music, animation and gaming in association with music director Thaman, with another centre being considered for Tirupati. Plans to promote Araku tourism, including a possible marathon in collaboration with Mahindra, were also highlighted.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that 62 tourism projects secured agreements worth Rs.7,287.30 crore, with the potential to create 46,853 direct and indirect jobs and add more than 5,000 hotel rooms. The government is promoting destinations such as Araku, Lambasingi, Gandikota and Konaseema, while encouraging wellness tourism through yoga and Ayurveda centres.

Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy assured investors of continued infrastructure and policy support. Minister S. Savitha welcomed the employment potential of industrial expansion at Penukonda.

The summit concluded with the government stressing project implementation, regional development and employment generation as central priorities in its long-term vision for Andhra Pradesh.