Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Tuesday that the World Bank has agreed to extend a Rs 15,000 crore loan to the Andhra Pradesh government for the development of Amaravati, the state's capital city, with construction set to begin in December.
Speaking to the media in New Delhi, following meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers, Naidu provided updates on key projects. He stated that the Central government has agreed to release Rs 12,500 crore for the Polavaram Irrigation Project. He also mentioned that Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is conducting a feasibility study for setting up a refinery in the state, with an investment of Rs 85,000 crore.
Addressing queries, Naidu said that discussions between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are ongoing to resolve bifurcation-related issues. Regarding the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, he noted that they are considering various options, including a potential merger with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and have submitted a request to the Centre.
Naidu also met with Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari to discuss infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh, including the expansion of the Hyderabad-Vijayawada expressway from four to eight lanes to address traffic issues. He requested fast-tracking of the Kuppam-Hosur Greenfield Project, the Mulapeta-Vizag greenfield coastal highway project, and solutions for restrictions on the road leading to Bhogapuram Airport.
Gadkari assured Naidu of swift action on these projects, emphasizing their importance for the state's connectivity and economic growth. He also posted on social media, highlighting the progress made on national highway projects in Andhra Pradesh.
During discussions with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Naidu sought the transfer of salt land for industrial development and requested support for industrial parks through the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT). Goyal assured him of support in line with the state's vision.
In a meeting with Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, Naidu requested the sanction of 65 lakh Deepam connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and urged the speedy grounding of the BPCL Refinery in the state. Puri assured him of the Centre's support for these initiatives.