Thu Mar 06 15:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Assures Commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s Development, Reiterates Centre’s Responsibility for Polavaram
**Visakhapatnam, [Date of Publication]:** Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s development and its full responsibility for the Polavaram project during a visit to Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Addressing a media conference after a meeting with officials from various central government agencies, including Customs, Excise, and Port authorities, she clarified that the release of funds for Polavaram is contingent upon information provided by Andhra Pradesh’s technical experts in response to technical queries from the central finance ministry.
Sitharaman stated that the Centre would cooperate in completing all projects linked to it. Regarding the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project, she said that funds would be released once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) receives approval. She also highlighted the central government’s support for the revival of the Vizag Steel Plant, mentioning the allocation of over ₹11,000 crore. She added that the central government facilitated assistance from banks to RINL and that the responsibility for the plant’s sustainable future rests with its workers.
The minister further commented on the need for a stricter tax regime to facilitate India’s development, drawing parallels with other developed nations. However, she avoided direct answers regarding the financial package for the development of Uttar Andhra and central assistance for the Uttar Andhra Sujala Sravanti project.
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