Amaravati/Mahabalipuram, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday proposed a bullet train corridor connecting Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, suggesting that the route pass through Kuppam, his Assembly constituency, as part of a wider transport network linking Amaravati, Bengaluru and Chennai.
Speaking at the Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mahabalipuram, Naidu called for greater infrastructure and economic cooperation among the southern states.
He proposed the creation of a common logistics network and dry ports across the region and called for integration of the southern power grid with the national grid.
According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office, Naidu also suggested forming a consortium of universities and skilling institutions from southern states to strengthen education and workforce development. He proposed a Mutual Aid Force to facilitate inter-state cooperation during disasters.
Water-sharing and river-linking were also prominent in his proposals. Naidu called for diversion of more than 500 TMC of water through the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project, saying it could provide a permanent solution to Tamil Nadu’s water requirements. He urged Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to coordinate on river-water issues.
He further advocated a long-term national plan for Ganga-Cauvery river linking and sought time-bound preparation of detailed project reports and approvals for river-linking projects.
Naidu also proposed a common spiritual tourism circuit linking Tirupati with Kashi, Ayodhya and the Char Dham.
Highlighting the economic contribution of the southern states, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said they account for around 31 per cent of India’s GDP and could collectively build a $10 trillion economy by 2047. He said the region should play a major role in the development of Viksit Bharat.
Naidu also urged the Centre to resolve pending issues arising from the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh. He pointed out that disputes concerning institutions listed under Schedules IX and X of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act remain unresolved even after 12 years.
He sought resolution of the resource deficit and issues related to Section 56 of the Reorganisation Act, while stressing the importance of Centre-state trust and cooperation.
On Andhra Pradesh’s development, Naidu said projects including Polavaram, the South Coast Railway Zone and Amaravati were progressing with Central support. He noted that Amaravati had secured its legal status as the state’s capital.
He also sought expedited approvals for the Dugarajapatnam Port and refinery proposals, as well as Central approval for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail projects and the Kadapa-JSW railway link.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, besides the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana.
FOLLOW NOW
