Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public rally in Amaravati on Friday, underscored Andhra Pradesh’s pivotal role in India’s space journey and defence advancements. He emphasized that the upcoming Nava Durga Testing Range in Nagayalanka will serve as a powerful addition to India’s defence infrastructure, drawing strength from the symbolic power of Maa Durga.
“Andhra Pradesh has played an important role in making India a space power for decades… This state has been attracting crores of youth to the space sector. A new institution is now available to the country to strengthen the space and defence sector. We laid the foundation for DRDO’s new missile testing range. Like Maa Durga, the Navdurga Testing Range built in Nagayalanka will empower the nation’s defence power. I congratulate the nation’s scientists and the people of Andhra Pradesh for this,” PM Modi said.
He praised the consistent role of Sriharikota in inspiring the nation through successful space missions and nurturing scientific aspirations among Indian youth.
On the developmental front, PM Modi highlighted India’s focus on accelerating irrigation and river-linking projects, particularly the Polavaram Project, which is receiving renewed attention and support with the new state government in place.
“This project will transform millions of people’s lives in Andhra Pradesh,” he said, reaffirming the Centre’s support in ensuring its speedy completion.
The Prime Minister emphasized the multiplier effect of large infrastructure projects on the economy, especially for industries such as cement, steel, and transport. He noted that this infrastructure boost is also creating employment opportunities for thousands of youth in Andhra Pradesh.
“India’s strength lies not just in its weaponry but in its unity”, he said, highlighting the Ekta Mall initiative aimed at strengthening this unity.
He announced that Visakhapatnam will soon host its own Ekta Mall, showcasing crafts and products from across India under one roof. These malls will promote the ‘One District One Product (ODOP)’ scheme and support the ‘Make in India’ vision.
“These malls will connect people with India’s rich diversity, while boosting the local economy and strengthening the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ vision,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister spoke about India’s transformation over the past decade through robust investment in physical, digital, and social infrastructure, making it one of the fastest-modernizing countries in the world.
He stated that thousands of crores worth of road and rail projects have been implemented in Andhra Pradesh, significantly enhancing district-to-district and inter-state connectivity.
This, he said, will not only help farmers reach broader markets but also aid industries with better logistics and boost tourism and religious travel. Highlighting one example:
“The Renigunta-Naidupeta Highway will significantly ease access to the Tirupati Balaji shrine, allowing devotees to visit Lord Venkateswara Swami in less time.”
PM Modi also highlighted the importance of strengthening the railway network for national development and noted its role in enhancing mobility and trade.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in Amaravati, spanning highways, railways, defence, and economic initiatives.