Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: Kurnool witnessed a charged and celebratory atmosphere on Thursday evening as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of landmark development projects in Andhra Pradesh, calling the state a “centre of pride, culture, science, and innovation” and asserting that the “21st century belongs to Bharat.”
Addressing a massive public gathering in Kurnool, the Prime Minister was joined by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers K. Rammohan Naidu, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, among other dignitaries. The PM began his speech by invoking the blessings of Lord Narasimha Swamy of Ahobilam, Lord Mahanandishwara Swami of Mahanandi, and Guru Raghavendra Swami of Mantralayam — underlining his emotional connect with the region’s spiritual legacy.
Andhra’s New Growth Story Under Double-Engine Governance
PM Modi credited the “double-engine government” — the synergy between the Centre and the State — for what he described as the “unprecedented pace of progress” in Andhra Pradesh.
“Delhi and Amaravati are moving forward together toward rapid development,” he said. “By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, Viksit Bharat will be a reality.”
Applauding Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan for their leadership, he said Andhra Pradesh now had “the right vision and leadership” that it had long needed.
Big Boost to Energy and Connectivity
Highlighting the day’s announcements, the Prime Minister said multiple infrastructure and energy projects launched in Kurnool and surrounding districts would transform connectivity and industrial growth. A ₹3,000-crore power transmission project was inaugurated to enhance energy security and capacity in the region.
PM Modi contrasted the current situation with that of 11 years ago under the Congress government, when the country faced frequent blackouts and had per capita electricity usage below 1,000 units. “Today, Bharat’s villages are fully electrified, and per capita usage has crossed 1,400 units,” he said.
Among the day’s key highlights were the Srikakulam-Angul Natural Gas Pipeline Project, which will supply gas to 15 lakh homes, and the inauguration of an LPG bottling plant in Chittoor, capable of filling 20,000 cylinders daily. The Prime Minister said these projects would create new jobs in the transport and logistics sectors while ensuring energy access for millions.
Roads, Railways, and Industrial Corridors
Emphasising the government’s push for multi-modal infrastructure, PM Modi said that “connectivity from villages to cities, and cities to ports,” was a top priority. The new highway between Sabbavaram and Sheelanagar and new railway lines and flyovers would “make travel smoother and industries more competitive.”
He also announced the development of Orvakal and Kopparthi as emerging industrial hubs of Andhra Pradesh. “As investments grow in these regions, more employment opportunities will open up for the youth,” he said, underlining the government’s focus on balanced regional development.
Andhra at the Heart of India’s Tech Revolution
Perhaps the most headline-making announcement came when the Prime Minister revealed that Google would set up India’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in Andhra Pradesh, making it the company’s largest investment outside the United States.
“This AI Hub will include high-end infrastructure, data centre capacity, energy systems, and an expanded fibre-optic network,” he said. “Alongside this, a new International Subsea Gateway will link Bharat’s eastern coast to Visakhapatnam through multiple global subsea cables.”
PM Modi called this development a “game changer,” saying it would make Visakhapatnam a “global AI and connectivity hub” serving not just India but the entire world. He congratulated Chief Minister Naidu for attracting this investment, saying it “reflects global confidence in Andhra’s potential.”
Rayalaseema and Kurnool: New Epicentres of Growth
PM Modi laid special emphasis on Rayalaseema’s role in Andhra’s growth story. “The projects inaugurated today in Kurnool will open new doors of employment and prosperity across every district in Rayalaseema,” he said.
He also lauded the state’s decision to make Kurnool the Drone Hub of Bharat, describing drones as “the future of technology and defence.” Citing India’s recent Operation Sindoor, where drones played a critical role, he added that “Kurnool’s drone industry will soon become a major force for Bharat in futuristic technologies.”
‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in Action
The Prime Minister noted that Andhra Pradesh was emerging as a key pillar in India’s self-reliance mission, Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Advanced Night Vision Factory launched at Nimmaluru would strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, producing advanced equipment like night vision devices, missile sensors, and drone guard systems — critical for India’s defence exports.
“Our indigenous technologies have already shown their strength during Operation Sindoor,” he said, adding that such facilities were driving India closer to becoming a global manufacturing leader.
Citizen-Centric Reforms and GST ‘Savings Festival’
Shifting focus to governance reforms, PM Modi said the government’s priority was ease of living. “Income up to ₹12 lakh per year is now tax-free, affordable medicines are available, and senior citizens are getting Ayushman health cards,” he said.
He also mentioned the GST Bachat Utsav (Savings Festival) led by state minister Nara Lokesh, under which the people of Andhra Pradesh are expected to save over ₹8,000 crore due to next-generation GST reforms. “Let us celebrate this festival with a Vocal for Local spirit,” the PM urged.
A Vision of a ‘Swarna Andhra’ within a ‘Viksit Bharat’
Calling Andhra Pradesh a vital partner in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister said, “Only through a Viksit Andhra can we achieve the dream of a Viksit Bharat.”
He ended his 40-minute address with a rousing chant of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”, interacting warmly with children in the audience who had been holding up paintings for him.
As the sun set over Kurnool, one thing was clear — the Prime Minister’s visit had not just launched a set of projects but ignited a strong sense of optimism and purpose in Andhra Pradesh.
With a pipeline of industrial, technological, and infrastructure initiatives, Andhra Pradesh, under the double-engine leadership of the Centre and the Naidu government, is positioning itself as one of India’s fastest-growing states — and, as the Prime Minister put it, “a powerhouse of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”