AP CM YS Jagan seeks funding, approvals in 90-minute meeting with PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a one-and-a-half-hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister's Office in Parliament on Friday.

During the meeting, CM Jagan informed the Prime Minister that the Union Finance Department has agreed to remove the component-wise ceiling in the Polavaram project. Additionally, they have approved the release of funds amounting to Rs. 12,911 crores for the early completion of the first phase of the project. However, Jagan highlighted that the completion of the first phase would cost approximately Rs. 17,144 crores, and the proposal is awaiting approval from the Department of Hydropower. He urged immediate clearance for the proposal.

CM Jagan addressed the issue of pending dues amounting to Rs. 7,230 crores for electricity supplied by AP Genco to Telangana state over three years from June 2014. He urged the Prime Minister to expedite the payment of these dues.

Also Read: YS Jagan meets Modi, seeks Rs 12,911-cr interim aid for Polavaram

Furthermore, the Chief Minister called for the fulfillment of other guarantees, including the special status promised during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. He emphasized that special status is crucial for the economic progress of the state, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities.

Jagan brought to the Prime Minister's attention the division of 13 districts into 26 districts in the state. He informed PM Modi about the ongoing construction of 17 new medical colleges, one in each district, with some already in operation. He sought the Prime Minister's support and cooperation for these educational institutions.

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Additionally, CM Jagan requested support for the development of a 55 km, 6-lane road connecting Bhogapuram, Bhimili, Rushikonda, and Visakhapatnam ports, linking Visakhapatnam with Bhogapuram International Airport.

He urged the extension of the Visakhapatnam-Kurnool High-Speed Corridor to Bangalore via Kadapa, in accordance with the Reorganisation Act. Jagan emphasized the importance of the Kadapa – Pulivendula – Mudigubba – Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam – Hindupur new railway line as part of this project, providing essential connectivity to the backward Rayalaseema region.

CM Jagan also asked the Prime Minister to approve the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project as soon as possible.

Jagan Mohan Reddy, accompanied by Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, YSRCP Lok Sabha leader Mithun Reddy, and several other officials, arrived in Delhi on Thursday night for these crucial discussions.