Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on January 8 to lay the foundation and inaugurate a series of significant infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 2.15 lakh crore ($2505 billion approximately). This will be Modi’s first visit to Andhra Pradesh since he assumed office for his third consecutive term in 2024.

Accompanied by key state leaders, including Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Modi will oversee the foundation stone-laying ceremonies for several high-impact projects, primarily aimed at strengthening the state’s infrastructure and industrial capabilities.

NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub and Railway Zone

One of the highlights of Modi’s visit will be the groundbreaking ceremony for the NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka, Anakapalli district in Vishakhapatnam. This project, marking the first of its kind under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, will involve an investment of Rs 65,370 crore ($762 million approximately) over three phases. It is expected to be a pivotal step towards India's energy transition goals, with the facility slated to produce 1500 tonnes per day (TPD) green hydrogen and derivatives such as green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel. The project will play a crucial role in helping the country achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

In addition to the green energy project, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation for a new railway zone at Visakhapatnam, a move aimed at enhancing the region's connectivity and contributing to its economic growth. Modi will also virtually launch the Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub, a Rs 1,518 crore ($180 million approximately) project spanning 2,500 acres, expected to generate 50,000 new jobs.

Bulk Drug Park and Industrial Projects

Another key initiative to be inaugurated is the Rs 1,877 crore ($220 million approximately) Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli, which will bolster India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. The project is expected to generate 54,000 jobs and will play a critical role in enhancing the country’s drug production capacity, especially in light of rising global demand.

Furthermore, the foundation for the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City), part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, will also be laid. The project is expected to attract approximately Rs 10,500 crore ($1223 million approximately) in investments, creating around 100,000 jobs and transforming the region into a major industrial hub.

Roadshow and Public Engagement

In addition to the ceremonial aspects of his visit, Modi will undertake a roadshow from Sampath Vinayaka temple to the meeting venue at Andhra University. Over 150,000 people are expected to attend the Prime Minister’s public engagement at the university, where he will address the crowd and highlight the significance of these projects for the state’s economic future.