PM Modi Says Andhra Pradesh Set to Become India's Next Manufacturing Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Andhra Pradesh is fast emerging as one of India's most promising investment destinations, with several leading global companies keen to establish operations in the state. He asserted that the state is well on its way to becoming the country's next major manufacturing hub, driven by world-class infrastructure, industrial expansion and technology-led growth.

The Prime Minister made these remarks after inaugurating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district and dedicating development projects worth ₹18,000 crore to the nation on Saturday. He began his address by invoking Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy of Simhachalam, Sri Kurmanatha Swamy of Srikurmam and Goddess Paidithalli, while also congratulating more than 13,000 tribal women for creating a Guinness World Record with a traditional Dhimsa dance performance.

Addressing a massive public meeting, Modi described the new airport as the "runway" for North Andhra's economic transformation. He highlighted Google's proposed $15 billion (around ₹1.25 lakh crore) AI and cloud infrastructure campus in Visakhapatnam, saying the project reflects the growing confidence of global technology companies in Andhra Pradesh. He added that several other multinational firms are also exploring investment opportunities in the state, which would create large-scale employment for young people.

The Prime Minister said the Centre is extending full support to the Mega Pharma Park at Nakkapalli, which is expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh's position as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing centre. He also said both the Centre and the state government are giving top priority to the Blue Economy, port-led development, industrialisation, semiconductor manufacturing, information technology and innovation. Sustainable utilisation of marine resources, he noted, would transform North Andhra into a thriving coastal economic corridor while generating new livelihood opportunities.

Recalling the Centre's support, Modi said development projects worth ₹2 lakh crore have been announced for Andhra Pradesh in recent years, while railway projects valued at ₹1 lakh crore are currently under implementation. He expressed confidence that the state has the potential to emerge as a national leader in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

Highlighting India's aviation growth, Modi said the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 to 166 over the past 12 years. He said the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has made air travel affordable and accessible to people in smaller towns. He also said naming the airport after Alluri Sitarama Raju reflects the government's commitment to honouring great national icons. Taking a swipe at the Congress, he alleged that previous governments largely named airports after members of a single political family, whereas the present government is recognising personalities from across India's history.

The Prime Minister praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, saying the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh is working at "double speed" to accelerate the state's development. Speaking on the occasion, Chandrababu Naidu described the Bhogapuram airport as a jewel in North Andhra's crown that would reshape the region's economic future. Modi, Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu arrived at the venue in an open-top vehicle and received a warm welcome from thousands of people.

Developed by the GMR Group at a cost of over ₹5,700 crore, the airport has an initial annual passenger handling capacity of six million, with plans to expand it to 40 million passengers in the future. Commercial flight operations are scheduled to commence on August 17. Built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, the 2,703.26-acre project also includes a 500-acre aviation hub, a 136.63-acre aviation university, an EduCity, commercial spaces and residential zones. It will become the country's second greenfield airport to begin commercial operations this year, after the Noida (Jewar) International Airport in Uttar Pradesh.