The center supports AP semiconductor pressure, approves rail connections for nine ports

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Minister Ashwin Vaishnaw in Delhi on Saturday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is seen.

Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured Andhra Pradesh of the Centre’s support for its efforts to become a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing.

He said the center will promote research and development, skill training and capacity building in the semiconductor sector. He also promised cooperation in realizing the state’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) vision and approved the required connectivity for nine seaports to improve inland cargo movement.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presented several railway projects to Mr. Vaishnaw, including the Vijayawada bypass, estimated to cost ₹ 3,197 crore; Kovvur-Bhadrachalam railway project (₹2,860 crore); Ongole-Donakonda railway line (₹1,800 crore); and Anakapalli-Kothavalasa Rail Bypass (₹2,190 crore).

Under the Vijayawada bypass project, Mr. Naidu sought the construction of two new bridges over the Krishna river. He also suggested implementing the Kovvur-Bhadrachalam project under a cost-sharing arrangement.

He called for the creation of four additional railway lines to increase capacity on the Vijayawada-Itarsi and Kharagpur-Vijayawada routes and sought the development of a high-speed rail corridor between Amaravati and Visakhapatnam.

Mr. Naidu also discussed setting up offices of public sector railway undertakings in Amaravati and sought new trains connecting Visakhapatnam with Bengaluru and Tirupati. Mr. Vaishnaw agreed to the proposal to introduce the Vande Bharat sleeper train between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru via Tirupati.

Earlier, Mr. Naidu called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed various issues. He was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.

Published – 24 October 2026 23:46 IST