- PM Modi launched development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore in Bhogapuram.
- Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport inaugurated to boost North Andhra connectivity.
- New semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam expected to strengthen futuristic industries.
- PM outlined plans to develop the region as a major Coastal Economic Corridor.
GG News Bureau
BHOGAPURAM, 1st Aug: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, giving a major push to aviation, clean energy, semiconductors and connectivity in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said the projects symbolised the rapid pace of Andhra Pradesh’s development and would contribute to the state’s broader growth ambitions.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, describing it as a “runway for the growth of Andhra and North Andhra” and a launchpad for a brighter future for the state’s youth.
Paying tribute to freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, Modi said the airport had been developed on the land where the revolutionary leader dedicated his life to the welfare of tribal communities. He said naming the airport after Raju would inspire travellers towards public and national service.
Highlighting the expansion of India’s aviation network, Modi said the number of operational airports had increased from 74 in 2014 to 166. He also credited the UDAN scheme with making air travel more accessible to people from smaller cities.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the foundation stone laying of a new semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam, saying India must derive maximum benefit from the potential of its talented youth by focusing on futuristic industries.
Modi said Andhra Pradesh could emerge as a major manufacturing hub alongside its established strength in software and technology. He also referred to growing investments in artificial intelligence and data centres, including Google’s announced $15-billion campus.
Turning to maritime development, Modi said the Centre was strengthening India’s blue economy and envisioned developing the entire region as a Coastal Economic Corridor. Existing ports from Visakhapatnam to Krishnapatnam are being modernised, while new ports are being developed at Mulapeta and Ramayapatnam.
The Prime Minister said highway, expressway and railway projects were also being accelerated to connect Andhra Pradesh with major industrial centres. Railway projects worth around ₹1 lakh crore are currently underway in the state, while more than 70 stations are being modernised.
Modi said the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan would integrate rail, port and aviation infrastructure, improving logistics, benefiting farmers and strengthening ease of doing business.
He expressed confidence that the projects launched in Bhogapuram would become important pillars in achieving the goals of “Swarna Andhra” and Viksit Bharat.
