PM Modi unveils Rs 17,900 crore projects in Andhra Pradesh

Spread the news

Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh), August 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched and inaugurated development projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore in Andhra Pradesh, saying the investments in airports, roads, ports and energy infrastructure would strengthen the state’s economy and create new opportunities for young people.

Addressing a gathering in Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, Narendra Modi said the projects reflected Andhra Pradesh’s growing role in India’s development and would improve connectivity across the region.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the new airport at Bhogapuram and announced that it would be named after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, saying the facility would honour his legacy while serving as a gateway for the development of North Andhra.

The event also celebrated a cultural milestone as more than 13,000 tribal women performed the traditional Dhimsa dance, setting a world record. Narendra Modi praised the participants, describing the performance as a celebration of India’s tribal heritage and cultural diversity.

Highlighting changes in India’s aviation sector, the Prime Minister said the number of operational airports had increased from 74 in 2014 to 166, making air travel more accessible to people in smaller towns. He credited the UDAN regional connectivity scheme with expanding affordable air travel and said its next phase would receive an investment of ₹29,000 crore.

Narendra Modi also referred to the recently introduced “spoke airport” model, saying it had expanded beyond Varanasi to Amritsar, improving international air connectivity for Punjab. He congratulated the people of Punjab on the development.

Speaking about Andhra Pradesh’s future, the Prime Minister said the state had the potential to become a major driver of India’s economic growth. He praised the state government for accelerating infrastructure development and said improved transport networks, including highways, expressways and ports, would strengthen trade and investment.

Narendra Modi said the Centre was focusing on developing the eastern coastline through a Coastal Economic Corridor, with modernisation of ports including Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam, alongside new maritime infrastructure at Mulapeta and Ramayapatnam. He added that new highways and expressways would improve links between coastal regions and the rest of the country.

The projects launched on Saturday span multiple sectors, including transport, aviation, roads, ports and energy, and are expected to improve connectivity, generate employment and support economic activity across Andhra Pradesh.