Visakhapatnam, Jan 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated development works, worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the 'South Coast Railway Zone' headquarters.

Addressing a huge public meeting on the occasion, Modi emphasized that the development of AP is their vision and serving the people of the state is their commitment.
He highlighted that AP had set a target to become a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047.

The PM emphasized the importance of leading in emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen and noted that the National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in 2023, with a target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

Modi added that in the initial phase, two green hydrogen hubs would be established, one of which will be in Visakhapatnam and said that Visakhapatnam will be among the few cities globally with large-scale green hydrogen production facilities.
He highlighted that this green hydrogen hub will create numerous job opportunities and develop a manufacturing ecosystem in the state.

The PM said that he had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the bulk drug park project in Nakkapalli and highlighted that AP was one of the three states in the country where such a park is being established. He emphasized that this park will provide excellent infrastructure for manufacturing and research, boosting investor enthusiasm and confidence while benefiting local pharma companies.
Modi highlighted the importance of this development for AP, fulfilling a long-standing demand for a separate railway zone. The Prime Minister stated that the establishment of the South Coast Railway Zone headquarters will expand agricultural and trade activities in the region, and provide new opportunities for tourism and the local economy.

“The infrastructure revolution in A P, with better connectivity and facilities, will transform the state's landscape”, he noted.
Modi remarked that this development will enhance ease of living and ease of doing business, forming the foundation for Andhra Pradesh's $2.5 trillion economy.

The Prime Minister emphasized the promotion of the blue economy in mission mode to fully utilize maritime opportunities and stressed the modernization of Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour to increase the income and business of those involved in fisheries.

He asserted the government's commitment to inclusive and all-around development in every sector, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.
Modi reiterated the Union government's dedication to building a prosperous and modern Andhra Pradesh. Concluding the speech, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone for the projects being inaugurated today, ensuring the prosperity of the people of the state.

AP Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Earlier, the Prime Minister, flanked by Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister conducted a road show in the city.
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