CM Babu pushes shipbuilding, irrigation projects in Delhi

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during his visit to the national capital, held a series of high-level meetings with Union Ministers to secure financial assistance, policy clearances and accelerated approvals for several strategic projects crucial to Andhra Pradesh’s economic revival and long-term development.

In a key meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister sought the Centre’s support for the proposed Dugarajapatnam shipbuilding cluster and the construction of modern fishing harbours across the state. Presenting the state’s ‘Chip to Ship’ vision, Naidu stressed the need to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s shipbuilding and ship-repair ecosystem.

He informed the Union Minister that the state government is fully prepared to establish a National Mega Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Cluster at Dugarajapatnam, with 3,488 acres of land identified and the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report already completed. He urged early approval of the project in line with assurances given under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns over inadequate central funding for fishing harbours. He explained that under Phase-I, works worth Rs 1,361.49 crore were taken up at Juvvaladinne, Nizampatnam, Machilipatnam and Uppada, of which the state has already spent Rs 782.29 crore. However, central assistance of only Rs 138.29 crore was released, limited to the Juvvaladinne harbour. He sought Rs 440.91 crore to complete Phase-I works and an additional Rs 150 crore under the Sagarmala scheme for the Prakasam district fishing harbour, stating that a total of Rs 590.91 crore is due to the state.

Earlier in the day, Chandrababu Naidu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and submitted multiple representations seeking budgetary support for priority projects in the upcoming Union Budget. He requested a special package of Rs 41,000 crore over three years to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub and sought financial assistance for the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project to divert Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone regions of Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Nellore districts.

The Chief Minister also urged enhanced support under the ‘Purvodaya’ and ‘SASKY’ schemes. He sought funds for rural infrastructure, industrial corridors, pending projects such as Unity Mall and Gandikota tourism development, and requested Rs 10,054 crore for new infrastructure initiatives during 2025-26, citing the state’s fiscal challenges.

Focusing on water security, Naidu met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to press for the release of pending funds and approvals for irrigation and drinking water projects. He sought additional allocation of Rs 1,000 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission for 2025–26 and release of the Centre’s share of Rs 524.41 crore already spent by the state. He also requested funds under the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana for tank restoration, early approvals for pending Polavaram works, and clearance for the Neradi Barrage following the Vamsadhara Tribunal verdict.

Later, the Chief Minister met Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and invited him to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the proposed BPCL greenfield refinery in Nellore district. Valued at Rs 96,862 crore, the project is expected to be one of the country’s largest integrated energy facilities.

In another meeting, Chief Minister Naidu urged Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to grant immediate approvals for metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. He said revised Detailed Project Reports had already been submitted and highlighted the urgent need for mass rapid transit systems in view of rising urban populations.

 As part of his political engagements, the Chief Minister met newly appointed BJP national president Nitin Nabin, congratulating him on assuming office. Speaking to the media later, Naidu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that India’s global stature had significantly improved under his stewardship.