Visakhapatnam: Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, criticized the previous YSRCP government for its lack of contributions to North Andhra during its five-year tenure. Speaking to the media after a review meeting at the district collectorate, Lokesh questioned the YSRCP’s failure to allocate land for the proposed railway zone or establish IT companies in the region.
Lokesh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Visakhapatnam on January 8 to lay the foundation for several developmental projects. These include a bulk drug park at Nakkapalli, a ₹70,000 crore Green Energy plant by NTPC, and a node at KRIS City under the Chennai-Visakhapatnam industrial corridor. He added that these initiatives aim to generate lakhs of jobs in the region.
Lokesh emphasized that the TDP-led NDA government is committed to decentralizing development, aligning with the “one state-one capital” vision. Highlighting ongoing efforts, he said ₹5,000 crore worth of projects are underway, including national highways and railway-related works. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate completed projects and lay the foundation for the long-awaited railway zone headquarters in Visakhapatnam.
Addressing the financial struggles of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Lokesh assured that privatization is not an option and that both the state and central governments are providing support. He also highlighted the TDP’s achievements, such as record pension disbursements, school infrastructure upgrades, and investments in alternative employment for tribal communities.
Lokesh urged the public to attend the Prime Minister’s upcoming event in Visakhapatnam, calling it a milestone for the state’s progress.
