Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu began a two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday (7 October), with meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers lined up to seek approvals and financial support for key infrastructure and development projects in the state.
Naidu, who left for Delhi in the afternoon, is expected to seek the Centre’s approval for the proposed Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project and the Beach Corridor during his meeting with Modi.
The Visakhapatnam Metro project has been under consideration for several years, with the state government having already submitted detailed project reports to the Centre.
The proposed Beach Corridor is planned to connect National Highway 16 with Visakhapatnam Port via Bhogapuram and Bheemunipatnam, while also improving connectivity to the proposed Bhogapuram International Airport.
Naidu is also expected to seek special financial assistance from Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to deal with drought-like conditions in the state, which the government has attributed to the impact of El Niño.
He will also seek central support for the Godavari Pushkarams, scheduled to be held next year.
During his Delhi visit, Naidu is scheduled to meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the proposed Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub project. His meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil will focus on measures to utilise floodwaters from the Godavari River.
The Chief Minister is also expected to hold discussions with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on pending infrastructure requirements and projects in Andhra Pradesh.
