Metro rail projects to see Rs 22.5K cr investment

Amaravati: Declaring that Andhra Pradesh has been put back on the right track after the TDP-led coalition government was formed in June last year, Governor Justice (retd) S Abdul Nazeer on Monday said AP as part of Swarnandhra Vision-2047 is cruising ahead to emerge as a preferred gateway for international trade.

In his address to the joint session of Assembly and Council here, during which a walkout was staged by YSRCP members, he said making use of 1,053-km long coastline, the government has decided to develop all the 10 ports including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Matchilipatnam, Kakinada and Mulapeta into international ports besides building new airports across the State.

He said the government has prioritised creating multi-modal logistic hubs, new trade corridors and strengthening digital and physical infrastructure. As part of the mass rapid transport system, Metro Rail over a stretch of 46.23 km in Visakhapatnam is poised to be completed by 2029. Metro rail over a stretch of 38.4 km is being taken up in Vijayawada. Both the projects envisage an investment of Rs22,507 crore. Besides launching work on a new railway zone in Visakhapatnam, the State has attracted massive investments from BPCL and ArcelorMittal, he said adding, a conductive investment climate has been created in Andhra Pradesh due to proactive policies and slew of incentives being offered to the investors. He said as part of Swarnandhra Vision-2047, AP wants to excel in all the fields and transform Amravati into an international city.

The Governor said the State Government is taking several steps to usher in the AI revolution. Deeptech and other advances are being used in agriculture, health and other sectors to improve living conditions. He said AP is now on a cusp of growth trajectory due to proactive policies unveiled by the government.

The Governor said the people gave "our government" an unassailable majority in the elections and the coalition formed the government as per public mandate. The State faced many hardships in the past five years due to the rule of the previous regime. Referring to Super Six Guarantees, he said the present government repealed the Land Titling Act, issued mega DSC notification, revived Anna Canteens and provided enhanced pension to the deprived classes on the first of every month at their doorstep.

He said a red carpet welcome is being accorded to investors and mentioned how 200 skill hubs have been set up in ITIs and polytechnics.