Andhra Pradesh is a state that has endured repeated political setbacks and emotional upheavals. It is perhaps the only state in India that has lost its capital three times, first Chennai during the linguistic reorganization of 1953, then Kurnool which briefly served as capital from 1953 to 1956, and finally Hyderabad after the bifurcation of Telangana in 2014.
Each time, Andhra had to start over—rebuilding its administration, institutions, and economy from scratch. Despite these trials, the people of Andhra Pradesh never gave up. Their determination, enterprise, and hard work became their greatest capital. And it is this indomitable spirit that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognised, respected, and revitalised.
A decade of stability and support
When the Modi-led NDA government assumed office in 2014, Andhra Pradesh was a state searching for identity and direction. The bifurcation had drained it of resources, institutions, and even emotional unity. But instead of sympathy, what Andhra received from Prime Minister Modi was something far greater—opportunity and empowerment.
The Centre didn’t just send grants; it laid foundations of education, industry, connectivity, and confidence. Over the last decade, the Modi government has focused on building a self-reliant Andhra Pradesh that stands not as a victim of division but as a driver of national development.
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Historic capital to modern nucleus
Kurnool, which once served as the state’s capital, stands as a symbol of Andhra’s rebirth today. The district has emerged as a major growth hub under the Modi government’s development vision.
The Orvakal Node, being developed as part of the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, is transforming into an industrial and logistics powerhouse. The establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Drone Testing Centre and an upcoming Drone Manufacturing Unit mark Kurnool’s rise on India’s technological map.
Greenko Group’s hybrid solar-wind-hydro power project in Kurnool reflects India’s global leadership in renewable energy, while the Jai Raj Steel Factory and the Kurnool Railway Station which is undergoing a modernisation process show tangible progress on the ground. The Kurnool Airport, developed under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, now connects the district directly to major cities, making air travel accessible to the common citizen.
Under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive for Adisthana Mandirams (PRASADAM) Scheme, the Srisailam Temple, one of India’s holiest Jyotirlingas, has been upgraded with enhanced pilgrim amenities, blending faith with modern infrastructure.
When Prime Minister Modi visits Srisailam and Kurnool on 16 October, the people of Rayalaseema will not just welcome a leader, they will greet the architect of a decade-long transformation.
Empowering Andhra
The Modi government’s belief that education is the foundation of empowerment is visible across Andhra Pradesh. Institutions once concentrated in other regions have now been distributed to ensure balanced regional growth.
Across the state, 11 premier central educational and research institutes have been sanctioned and established by the Modi government including: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tadepalligudem, Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kurnool, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Mangalagiri, National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), Hindupur, Central Tribal University Vizianagaram.
Each of these institutions represents not just infrastructure, but opportunity for lakhs of youth who no longer need to leave their home state to pursue higher education or research. The establishment of IIITDM Kurnool in Rayalaseema ensures that the region joins the national innovation network, nurturing future technologists and entrepreneurs.
Accelerating infrastructure and industrial growth
Andhra Pradesh today stands at the center of India’s new industrial geography. Out of 11 Economic Corridors being developed across India, three run through Andhra Pradesh — the Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Bengaluru–Chennai, and Visakhapatnam–Chennai corridors. These are not mere highways; they are arteries of growth, carrying jobs, industries, and investments.
Within these corridors, the Orvakal Node (Kurnool), Krishnapatnam Industrial Area, and Kopparthi Node are being developed as major industrial clusters to drive employment and economic expansion.
Road infrastructure in Andhra has seen historic expansion. Under Modi’s leadership, the total length of National Highways in the state has more than doubled from 4,193 km in 2014 to over 8,660 km by 2022. In the last year alone, projects worth Rs 11,000 crore were completed, and Rs 20,000 crores of work is ongoing.
The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has just approved investments exceeding Rs 1.27 lakh crore, aimed at boosting industrial growth, tourism, digital infrastructure, and rural governance reforms
Major national investments have also transformed Andhra’s economic potential. Polavaram Project received over Rs 5,000 crore in central funding. Vizag Steel Plant got a Rs 11,440-crore revival package. Amaravati was granted Rs 15,000 crore for capital infrastructure. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is investing Rs 8,110 crore across coastal Andhra in energy projects.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Refinery in Nellore and India’s first Green Hydrogen Energy Hub in Visakhapatnam are setting the stage for a green energy revolution.
Andhra Pradesh is also being considered for semiconductor manufacturing units, marking a leap into India’s high-tech future.
People-centric welfare
Under the AMRUT Scheme, projects worth Rs 135 crore are underway in 52 wards of Kurnool Municipality, improving sanitation, water supply, and urban infrastructure. Across Andhra Pradesh, the scheme will see investments of Rs 3,333.76 crore, driving urban renewal in multiple cities and towns.
Andhra Pradesh ranks number one in India under the PM Awas Yojana (Urban), having sanctioned 21,37,028 houses as of June 2024—the highest in the country. These houses represent security, dignity, and empowerment for lakhs of families.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 70.51 lakh rural households have been provided with tap water connections, transforming public health and rural livelihoods.
From PM-KISAN to Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, and Digital India, the Modi government’s schemes have touched every home. This model is not about handouts, it is about dignity. As Modi often says, “Our goal is not to create dependents, but to create empowered citizens.”
From pain to progress
The story of Andhra Pradesh is one of loss and resurgence. The state that once lost its capital three times is today reclaiming its pride through development. This is not just about economics, it’s about restoring self-respect.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Andhra Pradesh has transformed from uncertainty to aspiration. Kurnool, Rayalaseema, and the coastal belt are now writing a new story—one of faith, progress, and national pride.
When the people of Kurnool welcome Prime Minister Modi, they will be welcoming not just a leader, but a partner in their journey of resurgence—a leader who believes that Andhra’s strength lies in its people.
As the nation marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, Andhra Pradesh stands tall, confident, capable, and committed to contributing to India’s rise. Under Modi, Andhra’s message to the nation is clear: “We may have lost capitals, but we have found our confidence again.”
Vinusha Reddy is the BJP State Spokesperson, Andhra Pradesh and author of India Before & After 2014: Why Bharat Needs BJP! Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)