Narendra Modi will be visiting Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on Saturday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a series of development projects valued at more than ₹17,900 crore.
The initiatives cover aviation, semiconductors, infrastructure, connectivity and public facilities, and they are a reflection of the Centre’s continued emphasis on economic growth and regional development.
The first stop of the Prime Minister will be Andhra Pradesh, where he will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. Built at an estimated cost of over ₹5,640 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model
The airport is expected to become a major aviation hub for North Andhra. In its initial phase, the facility will have the capacity to handle over six million passengers every year and will enhance domestic and international connections and tourism, trade and investment.
Besides the airport inauguration, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh's first semiconductor manufacturing unit. The project, with an investment of more than ₹460 crore, is aimed at boosting India's semiconductor production capacity and reducing dependence on imported electronic components. That will also contribute to jobs and push the electronics manufacturing sector to invest in the country.
More infrastructure and connectivity projects will also be launched during the Andhra Pradesh leg of the visit. Government officials think these will enhance transport networks, promote industrial development and contribute to the state's long-term economic growth.
On his way to Andhra Pradesh, the Prime Minister will also go to Karnataka and inaugurate and dedicate public development projects. A big point of his visit will be the opening of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre in Mysuru.
It aims to help youth get involved in cultural activities, leadership and skill development programmes in the country and is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and ideals.
The projects being launched in both states are part of the overall infrastructure development strategy of the government. Investments in airports, manufacturing, transportation and public institutions will enhance connectivity, bring in industries and provide direct and indirect jobs.
The Centre has emphasized infrastructure as a driving force behind economic growth as part of its mission and the new projects are meant to improve logistics, ease of doing business, as well as public services. Local communities, businesses, farmers and exporters will be better connected and more prosperous, officials say.
PM Modi’s visit also illustrates the government’s focus on speeding up development in southern India.
The projects in aviation, technology and public infrastructure will help in decades to come to cement the region’s involvement in India’s expanding manufacturing and industrial sector.
