Mahabalipuram, August 20: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday pitched a vision of a $10-trillion-plus Southern economy by 2047 and proposed a bullet train corridor linking Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu through Kuppam at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting.
Addressing the meeting chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Naidu said the southern States—already accounting for about 31% of India’s GDP—could emerge as one of the world’s largest sub-national economic regions as India moves towards a $30–35 trillion economy under the Viksit Bharat vision. His speech describes the $10 trillion estimate as an illustrative aggregate based on the States’ stated Vision 2047 targets and present GDP-share trends.
The proposed high-speed rail corridor would pass through Kuppam, at the Andhra Pradesh–Karnataka–Tamil Nadu tri-junction, and connect Amaravati and Bengaluru with Chennai. Naidu presented it as part of a wider regional-connectivity agenda that also includes a shared logistics network, dry ports, integration of the Southern and National power grids, and a Southern Universities and Skilling Consortium.
Calling for “cooperative federalism,” the Chief Minister said the Southern Zonal Council should help resolve Centre–State and inter-State differences through dialogue and convert discussions into delivery. He also proposed a disaster-management mutual-aid force so that States could support one another during emergencies.
Naidu’s address placed water security at the centre of the region’s long-term development. He proposed a Godavari–Cauvery link to transfer more than 500 TMC of surplus Godavari floodwater through Polavaram, the Krishna and the Penna systems to the Cauvery basin. He also referred to a longer-term Ganga–Cauvery link and sought time-bound detailed project reports and statutory clearances.
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said the proposed water links could benefit Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while calling for a Southern River Basins Coordination Mechanism to promote cooperation over river disputes.
On resolving bifurcation issues
On Andhra Pradesh-specific matters, Naidu sought early resolution of pending bifurcation issues, including the Section 66 reference on Schedule IX, Schedule X and unlisted institutions. He also requested settlement of the resource gap and Section 56 anomalies, along with compensation for the financial burden caused by delays.
He highlighted infrastructure proposals awaiting progress, including Dugarajapatnam Port, a refinery proposal, Metro Rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, and the JSW Kadapa rail link. He noted that the South Coast Railway Zone had been established at Visakhapatnam and that the Vizag–Chennai corridor, airport upgrades and connectivity to the new capital were under way.
Naidu also described Amaravati as a green and technology-driven capital, planned with 51% green space and 10% water bodies. He referred to Quantum Valley, involving IBM, TCS and IIT Madras, as an initiative aimed at developing India’s largest quantum computer.
The speech further highlighted the Talliki Vandanam programme, under which eligible children receive ₹15,000 annually. According to the him, the programme has benefited more than 67 lakh students and 43 lakh mothers, with the objective of improving enrolment and reducing school dropouts.
Naidu concluded by reaffirming Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to regional unity, constructive dialogue and shared development, while thanking Tamil Nadu for hosting the council meeting.
