Naidu Urges FM Sitharaman to Release Funds for Key Andhra Pradesh Projects in Delhi Meetings

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Friday, pressing Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for substantial financial assistance to accelerate multiple flagship development projects in Andhra Pradesh. The discussions encompassed critical initiatives under the Purvodaya scheme, Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), a dedicated horticulture package for Rayalaseema, and the ambitious Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project.

Naidu emphasised the vital role of Purvodaya funds in enhancing rural connectivity, modernising irrigation infrastructure, expanding industrial corridors, establishing food processing clusters, and upgrading healthcare and educational facilities across the state. He advocated for prioritising state-specific requirements and simplifying procedural norms to facilitate seamless project execution, highlighting the potential for significant economic expansion in rural areas.

The Chief Minister specifically requested the prompt release of Rs 10,054 crore under the SASCI scheme for the current financial year, alongside immediate support for projects including the Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam, reconstruction of the historic Havelock Bridge, the Gandikota Tourism Project, and working women’s hostels. Additionally, he submitted a detailed memorandum seeking a comprehensive horticulture development package for Rayalaseema, projecting a requirement of Rs 41,000 crore over three years to transform the region into a major horticulture hub supporting millions of farmers.

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In separate engagements, Naidu urged Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to expedite approval for the Dugarajapatnam National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster and provide Rs 590.91 crore for fishing harbour developments, aligning with national maritime goals and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. He also sought Central assistance for the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project and invited Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to the foundation ceremony of the Rs 96,862 crore BPCL Greenfield Refinery in Nellore.

Furthermore, during discussions with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Naidu pressed for swift approval of revised Detailed Project Reports for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail Projects, underscoring the urgent need for advanced urban mobility solutions to accommodate growing populations and economic demands in these key cities.

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