Amaravati Expansion, Irrigation Projects Set to Shape Andhra Pradesh Budget Session
Andhra Pradesh Assembly to begin key debates on Feb 11, with development thrust at centre stage
Vijayawada — As the Andhra Pradesh Legislature prepares to convene its Budget Session on February 11, the spotlight is firmly on ambitious infrastructure and irrigation plans, particularly those tied to Amaravati’s expansion and major water projects. Lawmakers, officials and stakeholders expect these topics to dominate discussions and influence fiscal priorities for 2026–27.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s government is likely to push large-scale capital works in Amaravati, rolling out new and ongoing layouts, strengthening connectivity, and expanding civic infrastructure to drive economic growth and generate employment. These moves follow renewed momentum in land pooling and project execution after years of uncertainty over the capital’s development model.
Parallel to capital works, irrigation projects are taking centre stage. The government continues to project the Polavaram project as a transformative initiative to improve irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation, with the project set to receive major focus in the upcoming budget allocations. Likewise, proposals to expand river linkages and lift irrigation systems — aimed at harnessing surplus Godavari and Krishna waters for drought-prone areas — are gaining traction among both committees and rural constituencies.
Government sources indicate that framing the budget around growth-enabling infrastructure — rather than routine expenditures — remains the administration’s top priority. Officials see a strong case for mobilising resources through state-level financing, central support and public-private partnerships to accelerate delivery.
Opposition members, meanwhile, have signalled an intent to scrutinise spending patterns and demand clarity on timelines and impact assessments, particularly for irrigation works that directly affect farmers and agrarian communities.
The session is also expected to witness legislative debate on financing mechanisms, debt management and fiscal prudence, as lawmakers weigh the balance between long-term development goals and short-term budget constraints.
