The people of Andhra Pradesh had high expectations from the Union Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. While the Budget focused on India’s overall growth, many in the state felt disappointed. They believe Andhra Pradesh did not receive enough priority.
There were strong hopes for higher allocations to the Polavaram Project and the capital Amaravati. In the 2025-26 Budget, Rs 5936 crore was initially proposed for Polavaram, but later revised to Rs 3017.20 crore. For 2026-27, Rs 3320.39 crore has been allocated. Meanwhile, the Centre will provide Rs 1561 crore to Amaravati through Asia Development Bank and International Bank for Reconnection and Development.
The Finance Minister also announced a rare earth corridor for Andhra Pradesh and three other states. This initiative is expected to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing investments. Officials believe it can attract long-term industrial development.
Seven high-speed rail corridors were also announced, with 51 percent of the route passing through Andhra Pradesh. The state will receive Rs 40000 crore under the India Semi Conductor Mission. Support will be extended to carbide chip and advanced packaging units in Kurnool and Tirupati.
The state will benefit from PM Kusum and PM Suryaghar schemes as well. Around three lakh agricultural connections under Kusum and two lakh household connections under Suryaghar are expected. These schemes aim to promote renewable energy usage.
Tourism projects include hiking trails in Araku and a bird-watching trail at Pulicat Lake. The Vizag Steel Plant was allotted Rs 100 crore, which is much lower than the previous year. This reduction has raised concerns among workers and trade unions.
The Petroleum Ministry allocated Rs 302 crore for the Indian Institute of Petroleum in Vizag. Last year, the allocation stood at Rs 50 crore. Despite these announcements, many citizens and analysts feel Andhra Pradesh has been sidelined in a growth-focused Budget.
