Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a major public event in Amaravati on Friday, said the city is set to become a symbol of ‘Swarna Andhra’ and will play a crucial role in the journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Drawing a cultural parallel, he noted that Amaravati was also the capital of ‘Indralok’, and emphasized that its role as Andhra Pradesh’s capital is more than a coincidence.
“Amravati was the name of the capital of Indralok, and it is not merely a coincidence that Amravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is a sign of the establishment of ‘Swarna Andhra’. ‘Swarna Andhra’ will strengthen the pathway for a Viksit Bharat and Amravati will empower the vision of ‘Swarna Andhra’,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his vision and influence on modern governance.
“When I was newly elected CM of Gujarat, I was very closely monitoring the initiatives Chandrababu Naidu was taking in Hyderabad. I learned a lot, and today, I got the opportunity to implement them.”
Highlighting Amaravati’s potential to transform into a futuristic city, PM Modi said it will cater to the aspirations of the youth.
“Amaravati is set to become a city where the aspirations of Andhra Pradesh’s youth will turn into reality. With a focus on IT, Artificial Intelligence, green energy, sustainable industries, education, and healthcare, Amaravati is poised to emerge as a leading hub in these sectors in the coming years. The central government is extending all necessary support and infrastructure to the state government to foster growth and development in these areas.”
He noted the Central Government’s proactive assistance for Amaravati’s development during 2014–2019 and paid tribute to the legacy of N. T. Rama Rao (NTR).
“NTR garu envisioned a vibrant and developed Andhra Pradesh. Together, let us strive to transform Amaravati and Andhra Pradesh into a leading growth engine for the nation. It is our responsibility to fulfill the cherished dream of NTR garu.”
PM Modi also underlined the decade-long transformation in India’s physical, digital, and social infrastructure, stating that Andhra Pradesh has been a major beneficiary.
“Andhra Pradesh, in particular, has been a key beneficiary of this progress. Today, the state witnessed the launch of rail and road projects worth thousands of crores, further boosting its infrastructure development.”
On the state’s railway infrastructure, he pointed out a massive increase in budgetary allocation over the years.
“To facilitate this development, the government allocated record-breaking funds. Between 2009 and 2014, the combined railway budget for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was less than Rs 900 crore. In contrast, the current railway budget for Andhra Pradesh alone exceeds Rs 9,000 crore–an increase of more than tenfold.”
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to farmers, the PM shared data on support provided through central schemes.
“Over the past decade, the central government has allocated Rs. 12 lakh crore to ensure the availability of affordable fertilisers. Through the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers in Andhra Pradesh have received claims totalling Rs. 5,500 crore. Additionally, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, farmers in Andhra Pradesh have benefited from financial assistance exceeding Rs. 17,500 crore.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in Amaravati. These included seven National Highway projects aimed at improving road safety, creating jobs, and enhancing connectivity to key religious and tourist destinations such as Tirupati, Srikalahasti, Malakonda, and Udayagiri Fort.
He also dedicated railway projects to expand the state’s rail capacity and laid the foundation for the PM Ekta Mall at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam, intended to showcase and support local artisans and MSMEs.