Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for support on major irrigation and infrastructure projects, including the Godavari–Cauvery river link, the Polavaram project, Amaravati’s proposed Outer Ring Road and Visakhapatnam Metro, during a meeting reported on October 8.
Naidu also sought financial assistance for development works linked to the Godavari Pushkarams, which Andhra Pradesh is preparing to host in 2027. He told the Prime Minister that devotees from the two Telugu states, other parts of India and overseas were expected to attend the event.
According to the report, the Chief Minister briefed Modi on Andhra Pradesh’s economic situation, agriculture and irrigation priorities. He said the state had recorded 53 per cent deficit rainfall because of the El Niño impact, severely affecting the agricultural sector. Naidu also explained measures being taken by the state government to respond to drought conditions.
The proposed Godavari–Cauvery connection was presented as a major water-security intervention for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Naidu said the project could help ensure adequate water availability across the southern states. He also linked the proposal to the longer-term idea of creating a national water grid.
The discussion comes as the Polavaram project remains central to Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation strategy. The Chief Minister raised its latest status with the Prime Minister, although the report did not provide a revised completion date, cost estimate or implementation schedule for either Polavaram or the proposed river-linking project.
Naidu also requested central support for key infrastructure works in the state. These included the proposed Outer Ring Road around Amaravati, approval for Visakhapatnam Metro and the proposed Beach Road project. The meeting report did not specify the funding commitments, approval status or construction timelines for these projects.
The proposals connect water management with the state’s wider development plans. Reduced rainfall has affected agricultural activity, while irrigation projects and inter-basin water transfers are being positioned as tools to improve water availability. At the same time, the Amaravati and Visakhapatnam proposals point to the state’s parallel focus on regional connectivity, urban expansion and transport infrastructure.
During the meeting, Naidu also briefed the Prime Minister on the Global Horticulture Hub recently launched at Madanapalle with central support. He said the foundation stone had been laid for the Indian School of Agriculture, planned on the lines of the Indian School of Business.
The Chief Minister further explained the objectives of the Swarna Andhra–2047 Vision, which seeks to extend the benefits of development to all sections of society. The report did not state whether the Prime Minister approved financial assistance or gave implementation assurances on the projects raised during the meeting.
