PNS|Vijayawada
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday declared that Amaravati would be developed into a world-class capital city that every citizen of Andhra Pradesh can proudly call “my capital.” Addressing a massive public gathering in Amaravati alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and other dignitaries, Naidu said the formal resumption of development works marks a historic moment.
He emphasised that Amaravati is not just a city but a symbol of pride, self-respect, and the collective aspirations of five crore people. “Amaravati is the sentiment and reflection of our people’s hopes,” he said.
Recalling that the capital was chosen in 2014 following the State’s bifurcation, Naidu said the fertile lands on the banks of the Krishna river, with deep spiritual and historical roots, were selected for their cultural significance. He criticised the previous government for stalling development and causing distress to farmers who had voluntarily given 34,000 acres of land. “Despite adversity, farmers, women and workers stood firm. The judiciary protected Amaravati, and the people revived it through the 2024 mandate,” he noted.
With the Centre’s full backing, Naidu said Amaravati’s development is now back on track under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
“From Modi’s hands, Amaravati will rise, and every Andhraite will be proud,” he asserted.
Foundation stones were laid for 74 projects worth Rs 49,000 crore, including nine Central government projects worth Rs 5,028 crore. The Prime Minister also inaugurated eight national highway projects (Rs 3,680 crore) and dedicated three railway projects worth Rs 254 crore.
The CM outlined his vision of Amaravati as a “blue and green city” with inner and outer ring roads, a greenfield international airport, and top-tier healthcare and educational institutions. He said the Miyawaki afforestation method would be adopted to create a smart, eco-friendly capital. Prime Minister Modi’s inputs for the city’s development would be fully implemented, he added.
Highlighting India’s economic ascent, Naidu noted that India has moved from the world’s tenth-largest economy in 2014 to fifth, and is projected to reach third by 2027. He praised Modi’s leadership for lifting 15 crore people out of poverty and enhancing India’s global standing.
Naidu also spoke emotionally of the Prime Minister’s reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack and pledged Andhra Pradesh’s full support to the Centre in combating terrorism.
He welcomed the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste and socio-economic census and reiterated his ambition to make Amaravati a global innovation hub, citing the National Quantum Mission. “Amaravati will become a Quantum Valley, like Silicon Valley. Companies like IBM, TCS and L&T are already involved,” he announced.
Drawing a comparison to the development of Hyderabad’s HiTech City under former Prime Minister Vajpayee, Naidu said Amaravati’s transformation is now progressing with Prime Minister Modi’s support.
Affirming the government’s commitment to balanced regional development, he said Rayalaseema and north coastal Andhra would also receive equal attention. He urged the Centre to back defence projects in Rayalaseema and to establish a High Court bench in Kurnool.
Naidu concluded with an appeal to the Prime Minister to inaugurate Rayalaseema development projects as well, ending his address with slogans of “Jai Amaravati, Jai Andhra Pradesh, Jai Hind.”
