CM Chandrababu meets Union Ministers, seeks cooperation for completion of several projects in AP

CM seeks support for Amaravati ORR, iconic bridge on Godavari at Polavaram, Port-led infrastructure and global marketing facility for commercial crops

New Delhi: As part of his two-day visit to Delhi Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah today and discussed on various pending issues concerning the state. The Chief Minister informed Amit Shah that the interlinking of the Godavari and Cauvery rivers was among the issues discussed at the Southern Zonal Council meeting and urged him to take initiative to move the project forward.
The Chief Minister met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari requesting him to extend full support for the construction of the Amaravati Outer Ring Road. The Chief Minister said the 189-km ORR would be crucial for the development of the capital region.During his meeting with Nitin Gadkari in Delhi, the Chief Minister submitted a memorandum seeking approvals, funds and necessary support from the Centre for several key infrastructure projects in the state.He also urged the Union Minister to focus on the Beach Road project, which would boost connectivity and promote coastal development. The Chief Minister further requested Nitin Gadkari to extend support for the construction of an iconic bridge at Polavaram connecting the left and right banks of the river.
Later Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and urged the Centre to transfer around 20,378 acres of salt lands under its control to the state to accelerate port-led industrial and commercial development in Andhra Pradesh.The Chief Minister explained that the state government had already submitted proposals seeking allocation of the 20,378 acres of salt lands under the control of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for port-led industrial projects.He said the availability of land for port-linked infrastructure, including connecting roads, railway lines and industrial activities, was crucial for promoting port-based development in the state.
The Chief Minister also sought cooperation of the Union Commerce Ministry in providing better market opportunities for commercial crops grown by farmers in Andhra Pradesh.He said there was strong demand in international markets for commercial crops such as chilli, tobacco and aquaculture products from the state. He urged the Centre to strengthen market linkages, infrastructure, quality standards and processing facilities required to boost exports of these products.