Naidu bets big on Amaravati, Rayalaseema
Vijayawada: Declaring that the state has presented a “better Budget under challenging circumstances,” Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said Andhra Pradesh would unveil an even stronger fiscal roadmap in the next two to three years.
The state, he said, is steadily recovering from the “destruction” wrought during the previous YSRC term.
Speaking to the media in the Assembly lobby after the Budget presentation, the Chief Minister said the government had inherited a difficult financial legacy marked by “low income and high expenditure.”
With support from the Centre, the state is managing its commitments while gradually returning to stability, he said. “We are now getting back on track, though several problems remain. Full recovery will take time,” he said, stressing that higher revenue from agriculture and services are key to long-term stability.
Reaffirming his commitment to building Amaravati as a world-class capital, Naidu said the city would take concrete shape within two to three years. Major road infrastructure is being linked to national highways to boost connectivity and spur economic activity, he noted.
“The western bypass has improved access to Amaravati. With the Inner Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, connectivity will expand further. Increased movement will generate revenue and strengthen the state economy,” Naidu said, describing capital development as vital not merely for the city but for Andhra Pradesh’s overall growth.
The government, the CM noted, is developing Amaravati as a Greenfield city with a strong technology focus. Referring to the recent foundation for Quantum Valley buildings, he said the vision is to turn the capital into a global quantum technology hub. “Just as Hyderabad saw an IT revolution, this will be another transformative phase. Our long-term goal is for Amaravati to rank among the top three Quantum Valleys in the world.”
Highlighting Rayalaseema’s transformation, the Chief Minister recalled a time when even cattle struggled for drinking water and crops were saved using rain guns between 2014 and 2019. “We took the Handri-Neeva project seriously. Today, the results are visible,” he said.
Welcoming the ₹30,000 crore allocations for a horticulture hub in Rayalaseema, Naidu said legislators from the region were pleased. The region now produces some of the country’s best fruits, particularly pomegranates, which enjoy strong demand. Plans are under way to develop Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapur as a global horticulture hub, targeting 500 million metric tonnes of output in the long term.
He also cited growing demand for Ongole dairy products and Anantapur fruits.
On political management, the chief minister said he remains as forthright as ever. MLAs are being assessed on nine parameters, with sealed performance reports provided to them. “If they do not change, it is their loss,” he remarked, adding that additional internal parameters are also under review.
Naidu said Lokesh is independently handling his responsibilities and has effectively branded Mangalagiri handloom sarees. Leadership, he observed, requires humane engagement, motivation and a balance of respect and discipline.
Expressing optimism, Naidu said that within two to three years, AP would overcome fiscal stress and move decisively towards sustained growth.
