PM Modi lays foundation for Rs 13,430 Cr projects in Kurnool covering power, industry, roads

Kurnool: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around Rs 13,430 crore in Kurnool on Thursday.

He dedicated the projects to the nation and addressed a large gathering at a public meeting by offering salutations to Lord Narasimha Swamy of Ahobilam, Mahanandishwara Swamy of Mahanandi, and sought the blessings of Guru Shri Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam for the well-being of all citizens.

‘Privilege to serve the land of Baba Vishwanath in Kashi’

Quoting a verse from the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram—“Saurashtre Somnatham cha Srisaila Mallikarjunam”—the Prime Minister highlighted that among the twelve Jyotirlingas, Lord Somnath and Lord Mallikarjuna are mentioned together at the beginning.

“It is my good fortune to be born in the sacred land of Somnath, to have had the privilege of serving the land of Baba Vishwanath in Kashi, and now to receive the blessings of Srisailam,” he said.

Paying respects to freedom fighters

After visiting Srisailam, PM Modi paid tributes at the Shivaji Spurti Kendra and expressed reverence towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also remembered Shaivite saints like Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi and freedom fighters such as Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Garu and Hari Sarvottama Rao.

He said that Andhra Pradesh now has visionary leadership under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, backed by the full support of the Central Government.

‘21st century belongs to India’

PM Modi noted that the state has witnessed accelerated progress in the last 16 months due to the collaborative efforts of the governments in Delhi and Amaravati. He reiterated his vision that India will become a developed nation by 2047, emphasising that the 21st century belongs to India and its 140 crore citizens.

The Prime Minister announced the launch and inauguration of several projects covering roads, railways, power and industrial infrastructure, aimed at boosting connectivity, industrial growth, and ease of living. He congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly those of Kurnool and Rayalaseema, for these transformative initiatives.

Andhra Pradesh’s role in energy revolution

He further noted Andhra Pradesh’s pivotal role in India’s energy revolution, announcing the Srikakulam–Angul Natural Gas Pipeline Project that will supply gas to around 15 lakh households, and the inauguration of an LPG bottling plant in Chittoor capable of filling 20,000 cylinders daily.

This facility, he said, will create employment and spur economic activity in logistics and storage sectors.

He announced the completion of the new highway between Sabbavaram and Sheelanagar, which will strengthen trade and transportation networks. In the railways, he said, new lines and flyovers are ushering in a new era of improved passenger services and industrial logistics.

PM Modi wishes Vizag for Google’s hub

Citing recent developments, the Prime Minister referred to Google’s announcement to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in Andhra Pradesh.

The project includes an International Subsea Gateway connecting multiple global cables to Visakhapatnam, transforming the city into a global hub for AI and digital connectivity. He congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh for this achievement.

Tax exemptions and low-cost healthcare

The Prime Minister also spoke of citizen-centric reforms such as tax exemptions on income up to Rs 12 lakh, affordable medicines, low-cost healthcare, and Ayushman cards for senior citizens.

He mentioned the launch of major GST rate reductions and applauded the state government’s ‘Super GST – Super Savings’ campaign under Nara Lokesh’s leadership, expected to save Andhra citizens Rs 8,000 crore.

Prior to the meeting, Modi, along with CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, performed Pooja at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Srisailam. He then visited Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra in Srisailam to commemorate the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The projects that the PM laid the foundation for include:

Power Sector

Foundation stone laid for the Transmission System Strengthening at Kurnool-III Pooling Station worth Rs 2,880 crore. This 765 kV double-circuit line between Kurnool-III and Chilakaluripeta will add 6,000 MVA capacity and enable large-scale renewable power transmission.

Industrial Corridors

Foundation stones were laid for Orvakal Industrial Area (Kurnool) and Kopparthy Industrial Area (Kadapa), with investments of Rs 4,920 crore. Developed jointly by NICDIT and APIIC, these state-of-the-art hubs will attract Rs 21,000 crore in investments and create around one lakh jobs.

Road Infrastructure

A six-lane Greenfield Highway from Sabbavaram to Sheelanagar (Rs 960 crore) and six other road projects worth Rs 1,140 crore were announced, including four-laning, ROB construction, and major bridges, improving connectivity and travel safety.

Railways

Projects worth Rs 1,200 crore were launched, including the Kottavalasa–Vizianagaram fourth line and new rail flyovers, aimed at decongesting routes and boosting passenger and freight movement.

Energy and Petroleum

The Srikakulam–Angul Natural Gas Pipeline (Rs 1,730 crore) and Indian Oil’s LPG Bottling Plant at Chittoor (Rs 200 crore) were inaugurated to enhance household and industrial fuel supply.

Defence Manufacturing: The Advanced Night Vision Products Factory at Nimmaluru (Rs 360 crore) was dedicated to the nation, marking a milestone in indigenous defence technology and self-reliance.