Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will begin a two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, seeking approvals and financial support for a range of state projects. Naidu is expected to seek the Centre’s approval for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project and the proposed Beach Corridor, while also requesting special financial assistance to address drought-like conditions linked to the impact of El Nino. According to an official release, the chief minister will also push for steps towards a river-linking project in Andhra Pradesh. The visit comes as the state government seeks greater Central support for infrastructure, water management and relief measures.
The drought situation is expected to be a major part of Naidu’s discussions in Delhi. Andhra Pradesh has declared drought across 388 mandals in 21 districts during the 2026 Kharif season, with 283 mandals classified as severely affected and 105 as moderately affected. The state has reported a substantial rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon, with the conditions particularly affecting parts of Rayalaseema and other regions. Naidu is expected to seek special financial assistance from Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to support relief and mitigation measures. The demand comes amid concerns over agricultural losses, water availability and the wider economic impact of deficient rainfall.
El Nino has emerged as an important factor in the state’s assessment of the situation. The India Meteorological Department had forecast the development of El Nino conditions during the 2026 southwest monsoon and said the phenomenon intensified from weak levels in June to moderate levels in July. The Centre has also been monitoring the potential impact of El Nino across sectors including agriculture, power, health and the rural economy. Naidu’s request for special assistance is therefore expected to focus on supporting areas affected by drought-like conditions and helping the state respond to the consequences of rainfall deficiency. The state government has also been pursuing longer-term water-management measures to reduce vulnerability to recurring shortages.
Also Read: Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan Discuss Seats And Mayoral Posts For Local Body Polls
Infrastructure approvals will form another key component of Naidu’s Delhi meetings. The chief minister is expected to seek approval for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project, aimed at strengthening public transport infrastructure in the major coastal city, along with the proposed Beach Corridor. He will also seek Central intervention to initiate a river-linking project in Andhra Pradesh. During his meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, Naidu is expected to discuss ways to utilise large quantities of Godavari floodwater that currently flow into the sea and examine proposed river-linking initiatives. The state has been advocating greater use of available river water as part of its strategy to address regional water shortages and improve irrigation and drinking-water security.
Naidu’s meetings will extend beyond the Prime Minister and water-related discussions. He is expected to meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss Central support for Andhra Pradesh projects, including the proposed Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub. He will also seek assistance for the Godavari Pushkarams scheduled to be held next year. Meetings with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and other Union ministers are also part of the visit. The chief minister is scheduled to participate in a Confederation of Indian Industry event with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday. The series of meetings reflects the state government’s effort to seek Central backing for projects spanning transport, irrigation, agriculture, tourism and regional development.
The Delhi visit comes against the backdrop of continued coordination between the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre on development projects. Naidu has previously met Prime Minister Modi to discuss issues concerning the state, while the Centre has also highlighted major infrastructure and development initiatives in Andhra Pradesh. At the national level, the government’s river-interlinking programme includes the Polavaram Irrigation Project, which incorporates the Godavari-Polavaram to Krishna-Vijayawada link and is classified as a National Project. Against this backdrop, Naidu’s latest visit is expected to focus on securing decisions on specific state proposals, financial assistance for drought-affected areas and progress on water-management initiatives. He is scheduled to return to Amaravati on Thursday after completing his meetings and the CII programme.
Also Read: Chandrababu Naidu Backs Godavari-Cauvery Link To Address Water Scarcity