Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 8 October 2026, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to seek the Centre's support for a clutch of major infrastructure, irrigation, and agricultural projects in the state. The meeting covered the full spectrum of Andhra Pradesh's developmental priorities — from stalled irrigation works to a new capital city's ring road.

Irrigation and the National Water Grid Push

At the top of Naidu's agenda was the Polavaram irrigation project, whose progress he updated Modi on during the talks. The Chief Minister also pitched the Godavari–Cauvery river-linking project, arguing it would guarantee adequate water to four southern states — Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Naidu drew a parallel with the NDA government's road and power-grid expansion, suggesting river-linking could similarly anchor a national water grid for the country.

Amaravati, Visakhapatnam Metro and Beach Road

On urban infrastructure, Naidu sought Central approval for the Outer Ring Road around the state capital Amaravati and pressed for clearance of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project. He also briefed the Prime Minister on the proposed Beach Road project in Visakhapatnam. These three projects form the backbone of Andhra Pradesh's urban mobility push and are contingent on Centre backing for land acquisition and funding.

Godavari Pushkarams 2027 and Drought Relief

Naidu informed Modi that Andhra Pradesh is making extensive preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams scheduled in 2027, expecting pilgrims from both Telugu states, the rest of India, and overseas. He requested dedicated financial assistance for infrastructure development around the event. Separately, he flagged that the state had recorded a 53 per cent deficit rainfall this season due to the El Niño effect, which has severely hit the agricultural sector, and sought Central support to mitigate the drought impact.

Agriculture, Horticulture and Swarna Andhra–2047

The Chief Minister briefed Modi on the Global Horticulture Hub recently launched at Madanapalle with Central support, and noted that the foundation stone for an Indian School of Agriculture — modelled on the Indian School of Business — had been laid. Naidu also outlined the goals of the Swarna Andhra–2047 Vision, which aims to ensure development benefits reach all sections of society in the state.

Political Context

The meeting comes as Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) remains a key constituent of the NDA coalition at the Centre, giving Andhra Pradesh's requests added political weight. Naidu congratulated the Prime Minister on completing 25 years as head of government and acknowledged Modi's emphasis on cooperative federalism, describing the states as partners in the Viksit Bharat agenda. The talks signal a fresh push by Hyderabad-bifurcation-era Andhra Pradesh — still rebuilding its capital and state finances — to unlock Central resources across multiple sectors simultaneously.