Amaravati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the foundation of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) rests on four core pillars — the poor, farmers, youth, and women’s empowerment. Addressing a rally in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, he reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, with a strong focus on farmer welfare.
Highlighting key government initiatives, PM Modi said nearly ₹12 lakh crore has been spent in the last 10 years to provide affordable fertilisers to farmers. Under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Andhra Pradesh farmers have received insurance claim settlements worth ₹5,500 crore, while ₹17,500 crore has been directly transferred into farmers’ accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
He also emphasized the government’s efforts in irrigation, mentioning ongoing river-linking projects and the rejuvenation of the Polavaram Project — a major infrastructure initiative expected to transform lives in Andhra Pradesh. “With the new state government, the Polavaram Project has gained fresh momentum,” PM Modi noted.
As part of a larger infrastructure push, PM Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation, and dedicated to the nation projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in Amaravati. These include extensive road and rail connectivity efforts aimed at improving inter-district and interstate transport, enabling better market access for farmers and boosting industrial logistics.
The Prime Minister underscored that infrastructure growth is also creating employment opportunities, especially for the youth of Andhra Pradesh. He added that tourism and pilgrimage circuits are being strengthened, citing the Renigunta-Naidupeta Highway, which will ease access to the Tirupati Balaji shrine.
Referring to Amaravati, PM Modi said its name, shared with the mythological capital of Indralok, signifies the rise of “Swarna Andhra” — a golden era for the state. “It is our responsibility to fulfil the dream of NTR garu and transform Andhra Pradesh into a national growth engine,” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also dedicated the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala. He called it a symbol of India’s maritime strength and new-age development. Once fully operational, the port is expected to reduce India’s dependency on foreign transshipment hubs, boosting domestic revenues and creating jobs in Kerala.
On the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, PM Modi paid tribute to the spiritual leader, highlighting the installation of his statues in Kedarnath and Kashi as part of India’s cultural and spiritual revival.
