Centre assures support to Andhra Pradesh in semiconductor sector

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu meets Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in New Delhi on Saturday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu also present. | Photo Credit: @RamMNK X/ANI Photo

Union Minister for Railways and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured the Centre’s support for projects aimed at transforming Andhra Pradesh into a global hub for semiconductor design. 

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to Delhi on Saturday paid a courtesy call on Vaishnav and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed various issues concerning the State. 

During the meeting, Vaishnav said the Centre would extend support for research and development, skill training and capacity building in the semiconductor sector. 

He also assured cooperation with the State Government’s vision for artificial intelligence (AI) development and the creation of AI infrastructure.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to expedite railway projects in the State, approve Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for pending works and release the necessary funds. 

The Union Minister also approved the required connectivity for nine ports to improve freight movement from ports to hinterland areas.

The Chief Minister placed several proposals before the Centre to expand railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. 

He requested the establishment of a high-speed rail corridor between Amaravati and Visakhapatnam. The Centre has already agreed to establish two major coaching terminals, one each in Visakhapatnam and Amaravati. 

The meeting also discussed setting up offices of railway public sector undertakings in Amaravati. 

New Trains from Visakhapatnam to Bengaluru and Tirupati. The Chief Minister requested the introduction of a sleeper Vande Bharat train between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru via Tirupati. 

The Union Minister agreed to the proposal. He also agreed to introduce another daytime train with seating facilities between Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.

Naidu also requested the commencement of passenger train services on the newly constructed Kanigiri–Vijayawada railway line.

To facilitate freight movement from the State’s ports to inland areas, the Chief Minister proposed strengthening railway connectivity with eastern and western parts of the country. 

Published on October 25, 2026