Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a multi-pronged effort to secure central support for Andhra Pradesh’s financial recovery and infrastructure development, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday made strong appeals to Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Mansukh Mandaviya during his second day of meetings in the national capital.

Naidu, who is on a mission to reestablish Andhra Pradesh as a high-growth state, submitted detailed proposals seeking Rs.10,000 crore under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the financial year 2025–26. The request, presented to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, also included a renewed push for the compensation of revenue deficit resulting from the state’s bifurcation in 2014.

During his meeting with Sitharaman, Naidu underlined Andhra Pradesh’s continued struggle with resource shortfalls, particularly in the wake of legacy issues from bifurcation. He urged the Centre to honour the state's earlier request to the 16th Finance Commission for bridging the revenue deficit, which he said has hindered the state’s ability to deliver essential services and complete major capital projects.

Specifically, Naidu emphasized the need for fresh capital assistance under SASCI, aimed at bolstering infrastructure and developmental works. He noted that despite ongoing fiscal constraints, the state has already initiated projects worth Rs.44,351 crore in Amaravati, out of an estimated requirement of Rs.79,280 crore and managed to raise around Rs.26,000 crore from internal and external sources.

Seeking additional funds for the capital region, Naidu requested that the second installment of Amaravati capital assistance be granted as a non-repayable grant. He also expressed gratitude to the central government for its ongoing support in funding Polavaram irrigation project and Amaravati development.

In a parallel meeting with Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, CM Naidu unveiled an ambitious plan to turn Andhra Pradesh into a national hub for sports talent. He submitted detailed proposals for the establishment of a world-class badminton training academy in Amaravati, a National Water Sports Training Hub along the Krishna River, Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres in Tirupati, particularly to boost Rayalaseema region, and Centres of Excellence at Nagarjuna University and in Kakinada.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for speedy completion of existing projects under the Khelo India scheme in Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, and Narasaraopet. On this regard, Naidu requested central funding for several key infrastructure upgrades, including Rs.27 crore for upgrading Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada, Rs.170 crore for a multi-sports complex at BR Stadium in Guntur, and Rs.341 crore for statewide sports infrastructure development. Additionally, the CM sought Rs. 25 crore for hosting the upcoming Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025, proposed to be held across Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.