AP CM Seeks Gazette Nod for South Coast Railway Zone, Major Infra Push

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu undertook a crucial visit to New Delhi on February 10–11 with a clear focus on securing the Centre’s backing for the reconstruction and long-term development of the state. During a series of high-level meetings with Union Ministers, he pressed for the release of pending funds , faster project clearances , and policy support on issues linked to irrigation, agriculture, railways, and post-bifurcation commitments. Emphasising that there would be no compromise on state interests , Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s financial limitations and stressed that central assistance is vital for maintaining development momentum.

A major part of his visit centred on the Polavaram Irrigation Project , discussed in detail with Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil . The Chief Minister urged the permanent withdrawal of the stop-work order to accelerate construction and sought nearly ₹32,000 crore in additional support for Phase-II works, including land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement, and construction of protective embankments . He also proposed that the Centre extend technical and financial assistance under the national river-linking framework for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar link , which aims to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone regions, strengthening irrigation security across Rayalaseema and other dry belts.

Naidu also sought the Centre’s intervention in resolving inter-state water disputes . He called for early settlement of the Vamsadhara river dispute with Odisha and for the tribunal’s final report to be notified in the Gazette , a move that would remove legal hurdles for the Neradi Barrage . He further demanded the constitution of a new tribunal to address water-sharing issues with Telangana over Godavari waters . Expressing concern over Karnataka’s plans to raise the height of the Almatti Dam , he warned that such a move could significantly reduce downstream water availability for Andhra Pradesh, potentially affecting agriculture and drinking water supply.

In discussions with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan , the Chief Minister sought the immediate release of ₹1,211 crore in pending dues under central schemes supporting farmers, including those related to coconut cultivation and micro-irrigation initiatives such as “Per Drop More Crop.” He outlined the state’s push toward natural farming , aimed at reducing chemical fertiliser use and promoting sustainable agriculture. Naidu also highlighted the potential for makhana cultivation across nearly 50,000 acres in the Kolleru Lake region and proposed the establishment of a Makhana Development Board to boost farmer incomes and create allied agro-processing opportunities.

Railway infrastructure formed another key agenda during his meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw . Naidu urged the issuance of a Gazette notification to operationalise the South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Visakhapatnam from April 1. He also proposed extending the Bengaluru–Chennai High-Speed Rail Corridor up to Tirupati , launching a new Vande Bharat train between Vijayawada and Bengaluru via Tirupati , and establishing mega coaching terminals in Amaravati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati. Additionally, he pushed for the creation of dedicated freight corridors to enhance industrial logistics and port connectivity.

The Chief Minister concluded his visit with meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , where he discussed budgetary support, administrative clearances, and statutory matters linked to the state’s reconstruction and capital development. Reiterating Andhra Pradesh’s constrained fiscal position, Naidu stated that every rupee of central aid would be critical for infrastructure, irrigation, and economic revival. He expressed optimism that the Centre would respond positively to the proposals placed during the visit, paving the way for faster execution of key projects and stronger support for the state’s development roadmap.