PM Modi Inaugurates ₹2 Lakh Crore Projects in Visakhapatnam, Including Green Hydrogen Hub
On January 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Visakhapatnam, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major infrastructure projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore. This monumental event marks his first visit to Andhra Pradesh after the recent formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the state, which includes the BJP, TDP, and Jana Sena parties.
During his visit, PM Modi highlighted the significance of these projects in propelling the state’s industrial growth, creating jobs, and driving India’s sustainability goals. The most prominent of these projects is the NTPC Green Energy Limited’s Green Hydrogen Hub in Pudimadaka, Anakapalle district. This hub is part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and will be one of the largest green hydrogen production facilities in the world. With a massive investment of ₹1.85 lakh crore, the project will include 20 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity and aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen per day. It will also produce green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel, primarily targeting the export market.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for the South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) headquarters in Visakhapatnam, fulfilling a long-standing demand under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014. The establishment of the railway zone is expected to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and stimulate economic activity in the region. Alongside the railway zone, PM Modi inaugurated several road and railway projects, valued at ₹19,500 crore, designed to boost infrastructure and regional economic growth. Another major initiative announced during the visit was the Bulk Drug Park at Nakkapalli in Anakapalli district. The park, with an investment of ₹1,438 crore, is strategically located near key industrial corridors and will create thousands of jobs, further accelerating industrialisation in the region. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City) in Tirupati district, a smart city under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, projected to attract ₹10,500 crore in investments and create around 1 lakh jobs.
The Prime Minister’s visit was accompanied by a roadshow and public meeting, attended by a large number of people, including Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The roadshow saw an impressive turnout, with over 80,000 people participating. At the public meeting, PM Modi emphasised the transformative power of infrastructure in improving the lives of people, highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth for all. PM Modi also expressed his enthusiasm about the projects’ potential to create employment opportunities, enhance industrial capabilities, and make the region a hub for green energy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving India’s renewable energy goals, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
While the grand announcement of these projects signals long-term progress for Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh, it is important to recognise the immediate challenges of such large-scale developments. The construction and upgrading of infrastructure may lead to temporary disruptions in local transportation, and the demand for skilled labour will rise, but the future benefits, such as job creation and economic stimulation, are expected to far outweigh these challenges. PM Modi’s visit to Visakhapatnam has set the stage for a new era of growth and sustainability, with an emphasis on green energy, industrialisation, and job creation. As these projects come to life, the region is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s infrastructure and economic future.