Naidu Seeks Centre’s Support for Polavaram, Railways and Farm Funds

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stepped up efforts to secure stronger central backing for a series of priority infrastructure and development projects, including the long pending Polavaram irrigation project, railway expansion and release of agricultural scheme funds.

During his visit to New Delhi, Naidu held detailed discussions with Union ministers handling Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Railways, Housing and Urban Affairs, Steel, Home and Finance. The meetings focused on speeding up approvals, resolving technical bottlenecks and ensuring timely financial assistance for large scale initiatives critical to the state’s growth.

A key demand was the permanent withdrawal of the stop work order on the Polavaram project. Naidu highlighted that delays were increasing costs and slowing execution. He sought full central funding for Phase II of the project, which is estimated to require around Rs 32000 crore. The phase covers land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement, canal works and protective embankments.

The Chief Minister also pushed for early resolution of inter state river water disputes and proposed new link projects to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought prone regions. He emphasized that these initiatives would strengthen irrigation, drinking water supply and industrial development.

On the agriculture front, Naidu requested the release of Rs 1211 crore pending under various central schemes. He underlined the state’s efforts to promote organic and natural farming, noting a decline in chemical fertiliser usage and growing farmer participation in sustainable practices.

Railway infrastructure featured prominently in the discussions. The state sought completion of ongoing projects, sanction of new railway lines and operationalisation of the South Coastal Railway Zone. Proposals for freight corridors, high speed rail connectivity and new coaching terminals were also submitted.

Naidu also thanked the Centre for supporting the revival of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, stating that coordinated financial assistance had helped the plant return to profitability.