AP CM Seeks Centre’s Support for Metro, Ports, and Horticulture Projects

Hon’ble Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, was engaged yesterday in a series of high-level meetings with Union Ministers in New Delhi to seek support for various development projects across the state.

During the meeting with Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Andhra Pradesh’s potential to emerge as a major growth engine for eastern India, under Central initiatives such as Purvodaya, was highlighted. Funding support through SASCI, assistance for developing Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub, and Central budgetary backing for long-term economic development were requested.

A discussion was also held with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, regarding the urgent need for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail projects. The revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these metro projects were presented, and approval from the Ministry was requested to facilitate their timely implementation.

In a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister, Shri C. R. Patil, the state’s water requirements were discussed along with ongoing and proposed development works under the Ministry’s schemes. The importance of effective water resource management for agriculture and urban supply was emphasized.

Furthermore, discussions with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, focused on the Dugarajapatnam Shipbuilding Cluster and the construction of fishing harbours. The Union Minister’s policies supporting shipbuilding and naval infrastructure development were appreciated. The Chief Minister requested additional funding for the four Phase-1 fishing harbours, as well as ₹150 crore under the Sagarmala Scheme for the construction of a new fishing harbour at Oderu in Prakasam district, aimed at improving fisherfolk livelihoods.

Through these engagements, it was highlighted that Andhra Pradesh seeks to leverage Central support for industrial growth, urban infrastructure, water resource management, and coastal development, in order to ensure sustainable economic and social development across the state.