Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics and HRD, Mr Nara Lokesh has urged the central government to fast-track key projects that have been committed to the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Visiting New Delhi today the minister held back-to-back meetings with several central ministers seeking their support and cooperation in expediting various infrastructure and social projects in the state.
Meeting with the Petroleum Minister Mr Hardeep Singh Puri, he sought the ministry’s support for BPCL refinery at Ramayapatnam and pushed for its early implementation.
During the meeting, Minister Lokesh strongly pitched for the BPCL refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Ramayapatnam, Nellore district, a long-standing promise under Section 93(4) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The Rs 95,000 crore project, coming up on 6,000 acres, is expected to generate over 5,000 direct jobs and accelerate industrialisation.
Andhra’s IT Minister underlined that the move would create local jobs, encourage MSME partnerships, and strengthen maritime infrastructure along Andhra’s coast.
On the welfare front, Minister Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s Deepam 2.0 scheme, which provides free LPG cylinders to eligible families, empowering women and BPL households.
The state is working to integrate Deepam 2.0 with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), ensuring wider coverage and efficient delivery, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing indoor air pollution.
The IT Minister further urged stronger coordination between state and central agencies to ensure timely implementation of these projects.
Besides, the Andhra Pradesh government also requested continued Central support in advancing investments, faster clearances, and partnerships in the energy and maritime sectors.
Strengthening AP’s Road Network
Similarly in his meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari he pushed for fast-track approvals to major highway expansions, urban mobility projects, including the Kuppam–Bengaluru–Chennai industrial corridor.
The discussions focused on building seamless connectivity, city decongestion, and infrastructure that can accelerate Andhra Pradesh’s growth momentum.
A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the Kuppam–Hosur–Bengaluru greenfield highway which would be 56km long and requires an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. Minister Lokesh urged for the fast track approval of the project and described it as a game-changer for regional growth.
Furthermore, Minister emphasized the need for early approval and direct linkage to the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway (NE-7).
The HRD Minister also underlined revival efforts in the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA) region, spanning 1,051 sq km, including plans for a major industrial park to boost investment and employment.
On urban infrastructure, the Minister reiterated the state’s request for integrated double-decker flyovers with metro corridors along NH-16, including a 20km elevated corridor in Visakhapatnam and a 4.7km stretch in Vijayawada, modeled after Nagpur’s successful urban design.He also sought support for the 50km Vijayawada Eastern Bypass to ease city traffic congestion.
Minister Lokesh also underlined the urgency of road safety improvements, innovative traffic management, and the development of green corridors. He sought support for advanced tolling systems and real-time traffic information technology, reiterating Andhra Pradesh’s readiness to provide land acquisition, environmental clearances, and compliance with the latest MoRTH technical standards.
Allocation of Urea
In addition, Mr Lokesh also met with BJP National President and Union Minister for Health, Fertilizers, and Chemicals, Mr JP Nadda, to discuss the urgent urea shortage in the state and other development initiatives.
During the meeting, Minister Lokesh highlighted the severe shortage of urea amid the ongoing Kharif season and requested the Union Government to immediately allocate the required supply to support farmers.
Responding to the request, Union Minister Nadda assured that 29,000 metric tonnes of urea would be allocated to Andhra Pradesh by August 21, effectively addressing the shortage.
Minister Lokesh also proposed the establishment of a Plastic Park to promote local industry and generate employment opportunities for the youth.
On educational infrastructure, Minister Lokesh discussed the establishment of the permanent campus of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Visakhapatnam, noting that 100 acres of land have been identified for the project and urged necessary actions for its development.
