PM Modi Hails Amaravati as Pillar of Andhra Pradesh’s Modern Development Vision

On Friday, May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of Amaravati and described the city as a representation of Andhra Pradesh’s dreams and progress.

Speaking at a public gathering, he called Amaravati a “dream turning into reality” and emphasised its importance as a transformative force for the state.

Amaravati: A Shakti for Modern Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi stated that Amaravati is not merely a city but a “Shakti” — a force — that would enable Andhra Pradesh to become a modern state.

Highlighting its potential, he said the city is poised to lead in sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and industrial development.

He pledged full support from the central government to ensure rapid progress on this vision. “Amaravati is not just one city. It is a Shakti. A Shakti that enables Andhra Pradesh to be ‘adhunik’ (modern),” he said.

Praise for Chandrababu Naidu’s Technological Vision

Referring to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Modi acknowledged his long-standing contribution to technological advancement.

“Our Chandrababu Naidu talked about me being tech-savvy. I want to tell you that when I became Gujarat’s Chief Minister, I closely watched how Chandrababu Naidu worked in Hyderabad. I learnt a lot from him, and now I have the opportunity to implement all of this,” PM Modi noted.

He further praised Naidu’s expertise, saying, “Be it future technology or large-scale works, Chandrababu Naidu is the man for it. So, we should do things in the best way and in the shortest amount of time.”

Tribute to NTR’s Vision for Andhra Pradesh

The Prime Minister paid homage to former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), recalling his vision of a prosperous Andhra Pradesh.

“NTR had envisioned a prosperous Andhra Pradesh. Together, we need to make Amaravati and Andhra Pradesh the growth engine of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). We need to fulfill that dream of NTR Garu, and make that dream a reality. Chandrababu Naidu Garu, brother Pawan Kalyan, we have to do it. We only have to do it,” Modi said.

He connected Amaravati’s revival with the legacy of Indralok’s capital, saying, “We all know Indralok’s capital name was Amaravati and now Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. This is not just a coincidence. This is a good sign for the construction of Swarna Andhra.”

Swarna Andhra and the Vision for 2047

Modi referred to the TDP-led NDA government’s ambitious goal to transform Andhra Pradesh into a USD 2.4 trillion economy by 2047 under the ‘Swarna Andhra’ initiative.

He stressed that Amaravati would energise this transformation and strengthen the broader goal of a developed India.

Infrastructure and Connectivity as Pillars of Growth

The Prime Minister highlighted the developmental progress made under his leadership, stating, “In the last 10 years, we’ve moved to the top countries in terms of development and works.

Even today, several projects have been opened for development in the state, be it rail or road projects.”

He noted that Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a new chapter in connectivity, linking mandals, cities, and even states.

“In Andhra Pradesh, there’s a new chapter being written on connectivity; connectivity between mandals, cities, and states,” he said.

₹58,000 Crore Development Projects for Andhra Pradesh

During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹58,000 crore.

These include 74 projects valued at ₹49,000 crore focused on building the state’s administrative core — the Assembly, Secretariat, High Court, and judicial quarters.

“These projects are not just concrete structures but they are a strong foundation of the ambitions of Andhra Pradesh and Viksit Bharat,” Modi said. The projects also encompass housing for 5,200 families.

Central Support and Commitment

PM Modi assured the people of Andhra Pradesh of unwavering support from the Centre in turning these visions into reality.

“I would like to reassure the people of Andhra Pradesh, and my associates who are sitting here that you will always find me with you for the development of Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

Vizhinjam Port: A Technological Milestone

Earlier that day, PM Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala.

Built at a cost of ₹8,867 crore, this port is India’s first semi-automated seaport and is one of the world’s most technologically advanced transshipment hubs.