Bhogapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Andhra Pradesh has the potential to become the growth engine of Viksit Bharat as he inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram and launched development projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore across the state.
Addressing a public gathering in Vizianagaram district, Modi said the NDA government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, is working at “double the speed” to accelerate Andhra Pradesh’s development.
He said the newly inaugurated Greenfield airport, built under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, will significantly improve connectivity, tourism, trade, investment and employment in the region. The airport has been developed at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore and is designed to handle six million passengers annually.
Bhogapuram airport, semiconductor and energy projects boost Andhra
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the ASIP Semiconductor Project in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. He said the project would strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and create high skilled employment opportunities.
Modi also launched multiple renewable energy transmission projects, National Highway works and other infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and supporting industrial growth across the state.
He said Andhra Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a major contributor to India’s economic growth and highlighted the Centre’s focus on developing the state’s ports, highways, railways and logistics network.
Referring to the government’s “Investment for Employment” approach, the Prime Minister said both public and private investments are creating new opportunities for industries and young people. He noted that global companies are increasingly choosing Andhra Pradesh for investments due to its improving infrastructure and business environment.
Highlighting India’s aviation growth, Modi said the number of operational airports has increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 today. He added that the UDAN scheme has made air travel affordable for ordinary citizens while expanding regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister said the Centre recently launched the second phase of the UDAN scheme with an investment of ₹29,000 crore to further strengthen the country’s aviation network.
He also pointed to major railway projects worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore currently underway in Andhra Pradesh, alongside the development of ports at Mulapeta and Ramayapatnam and the modernisation of existing ports, as part of the government’s vision to build a Coastal Economic Corridor.
Modi said Andhra Pradesh is also becoming a hub for advanced technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data centres. He referred to Google’s planned AI and cloud infrastructure campus and said such investments would generate employment and boost the state’s economy.
The Prime Minister was welcomed with a traditional Dhimsa dance performance by more than 13,000 tribal women, describing the cultural presentation as a symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s rich heritage and enthusiasm.
Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Goa Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and other dignitaries attended the programme.
