In her presentation of the Union Budget 2025 today, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced substantial financial allocations for major infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh. The Polavaram Project has been allocated ₹5,936 crore, with an additional Rs 12,157 crore designated as a balance grant for its ongoing construction. The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant will receive Rs 3,295 crore, and the Visakhapatnam Port has been allocated Rs 730 crore in the budget.
Reacting to the budget, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu credited Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his influence on the budgetary decisions. He noted that the state had communicated its concerns to the Centre over the past seven months. Naidu highlighted the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission and anticipated positive outcomes for the state’s manufacturing sector. He also pointed out that the UDAN scheme would provide significant benefits to millions and emphasized the swift development in the civil aviation sector.
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In a separate statement, Lavu Srinivasa Devarayalu expressed his appreciation for the budgetary allocations. He noted that the Centre had provided Rs 15,000 crore for Amaravati and ₹16 crore for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant over the past seven months. Devarayalu also mentioned the approval of Rs 12,000 crore for the Polavaram Project. He lauded the budgetary decisions, particularly those benefiting Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors, and welcomed the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Additionally, he emphasized that funds for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities would be made available through the Urban Challenge Fund.