CM Naidu seeks Central support for irrigation and infrastructure projects in A.P.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in separate meetings with Union Ministers for Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Railways and Urban Development as part of his official visit to New Delhi, raised a number of important issues related to Andhra Pradesh, seeking fast-track clearances, enhanced financial assistance and resolution of long-pending inter-State disputes.

In a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, the Prime Minister expressed serious concerns over Karnataka’s move to increase the height of Almatti dam, warning that it would adversely affect downstream water availability to Andhra Pradesh. He urged the Center to protect the interests of the State and sought early resolution of inter-State river water disputes.

Demanding permanent removal of the stop work order on the Polavaram project and reimbursement of additional expenditure incurred on increasing the canal capacity, it also sought financial support estimated at ₹ 32,000 crore for Polavaram Phase II and approvals for the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project under the national river linking programme.

During a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Mr. Naidu pressed for increased Central assistance to promote organic and natural farming. He demanded immediate release of ₹ 216 crore under the PM-PRANAM scheme, highlighting that Andhra Pradesh has reduced the use of chemical fertilizers by 2.28 per cent in 2024-25.

Around 18 lakh farmers have opted for organic farming in 8 lakh hectares. The Chief Minister also sought ₹200 crore for development of coconut sector, release of pending funds under ‘Drop More Per Crop’ and central support to Totapuri mango farmers and setting up of a Makhana Development Board in Kolleru district.

During his meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mr. Naidu sought fast-tracking of pending railway projects, operationalization of South Coast Railway Zone from April 1 and alignment of Bengaluru-Chennai high-speed rail corridor via Tirupati. He also proposed new railway lines, freight corridors, Vande Bharat services and mega bus terminals across the state.

During talks with Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Prime Minister sought Central assistance of ₹ 105 crore under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 to implement Andhra Pradesh’s ₹ 276 crore Zero Landfill action plan.

He said the state was determined to become a national model in urban sanitation and sustainable waste management.