The latest electoral win of the coalition of NDA, N Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP) in Andhra Pradesh has raised hopes.
The new government has an opportunity to prioritise strategic infrastructure projects to boost growth in Andhra Pradesh, as 164 of the 175 seats are secured.
Here are five important projects to focus on:
1. Amaravati Capital City
Amaravati needs to be developed as a world-class capital city to develop Andhra Pradesh as a modern and efficient administrative centre. The government should expedite the construction of administrative buildings, schools, and hospitals.
Emphasis on sustainable urban planning, integration of smart technology, and efficient public transport will make Amaravati a hub of growth, attracting investment and skilled professionals.
2. Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC)
Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) is a key part of the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECC), which stretches for about 800 km across nine districts of Andhra Pradesh and is India’s first coastal corridor. In conjunction with the East Policy and Make in India schemes, this industrial corridor aims to connect India with ASEAN and East Asian countries.
Development of industrial nodes at Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Donakonda, and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti enhances employment opportunities, enhances export capabilities, and boosts manufacturing.
3. Polavaram Lift Irrigation Project
The revival of Andhra Pradesh’s agriculture and economy will begin with the Polavaram irrigation project. This multipurpose project located on the Godavari River aims to generate 960 MW hydroelectricity, provide drinking water to 28.50 lakh people, and irrigate 4,36,825 hectares of land.
Launched with a bhoomi pujan by Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in 2004, the Polavaram project has not functioned for decades due to several administrative, financial, and environmental hurdles. The new government must expedite the project so that its potential benefits can be fully realised.
4. Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport
The Bhogapuram International Airport, located in Vizianagaram district, 50 km from Visakhapatnam, is set to become a key component in the state’s transport infrastructure. This smart airport project emphasises environmental sustainability and local social development at a cost of Rs 4,592 crore.
Once operational, it will handle six million passengers every year and significantly boost economic activity, tourism, and connectivity in the region. The new government needs 36 months to complete it.
5. Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro
Andhra Pradesh currently has no city metro rail, so the construction of metro rail in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada is a major infrastructure project.
Construction of the metro reflects the government’s commitment to modernise infrastructure, improve urban living standards and solve major transportation challenges.
To learn more about the ongoing and upcoming megaprojects in Andhra Pradesh click here.