Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation a series of development projects worth Rs 134.3 billion in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on 16 October 2025. The projects span sectors including roads, railways, electricity, energy, and trade, aimed at accelerating industrial growth, enhancing connectivity, and improving citizens’ quality of life. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister extended salutations to Lord Narasimha Swamy of Ahobilam, Lord Mahanandishwara Swamy of Mahanandi, and Guru Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam, invoking blessings for the prosperity of Andhra Pradesh and the nation. Modi praised the state’s rich cultural heritage and scientific spirit, describing Andhra Pradesh as a “land of pride, potential, and innovation.” He emphasised that under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the state now has the “visionary leadership” needed for rapid progress, supported by the Central Government’s full cooperation. He highlighted that in the past sixteen months, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed unprecedented progress under the “double-engine government,” with Delhi and Amaravati working together. “By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, we will surely become a Viksit Bharat (Developed India),” Modi said, declaring that the 21st century belongs to India and its 1.4 billion citizens. The Prime Minister launched a Rs 30 billion power transmission project, strengthening India’s energy infrastructure. He recalled that a decade ago, during the Congress regime, per capita electricity use was below 1,000 units, with many villages lacking poles. “Today, electricity has reached every village, per capita consumption stands at 1,400 units, and India is setting new records in energy generation,” he said. Andhra Pradesh, he noted, is playing a central role in India’s energy revolution. The Srikakulam–Angul Natural Gas Pipeline Project, launched during the event, will supply gas to 1.5 million households, while a new LPG bottling plant in Chittoor with a capacity of 20,000 cylinders a day will generate jobs in logistics and warehousing. The Prime Minister also unveiled new highway and railway projects, including the Sabbavaram–Sheelanagar highway, which will enhance connectivity between industrial hubs. “India is focusing on multi-modal connectivity — linking villages, cities, and ports to drive economic growth,” he said. Modi announced that Google will establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in Andhra Pradesh, featuring cutting-edge AI infrastructure, data centres, and fibre networks. The investment includes the creation of an International Subsea Gateway connecting Visakhapatnam to global digital routes, transforming the city into a global hub for AI and connectivity. In the defence sector, Modi inaugurated the Advanced Night Vision Factory at Nimmaluru, a major step toward Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). The facility will produce night vision equipment, missile sensors, and drone guard systems, boosting India’s defence exports and innovation. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said India’s indigenous systems have already demonstrated their effectiveness on the global stage. He welcomed Andhra Pradesh’s decision to develop Kurnool as India’s Drone Hub, predicting that the drone industry will create futuristic technology sectors and new employment avenues. “Kurnool will soon become a national strength in drone innovation,” he said. Highlighting citizen-centric reforms, Modi stated that income up to Rs 1.2 million per year is now tax-free, while affordable medicines, healthcare, and Ayushman cards for senior citizens have improved ease of living. He also announced next-generation GST reforms, projected to yield savings of over Rs 80 billion for the people of Andhra Pradesh. Applauding Nara Lokesh for leading the “Super GST – Super Savings” campaign, he urged citizens to celebrate the GST Bachat Utsav (Savings Festival) in the spirit of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said, “The dream of a Developed India can only be achieved through a Developed Andhra Pradesh. Together, we will build a brighter, more prosperous future.” The event was attended by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers Rammohan Naidu, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, among other dignitaries.