Mon Aug 18 16:11:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh met with several Union Ministers in New Delhi to request support for various projects in Andhra Pradesh. These projects span across multiple sectors, including foreign collaborations, infrastructure development (highways, ports), energy (petroleum refinery, LPG schemes), healthcare (urea shortage, plastic park, pharmaceutical institute), and IT (AI center, Data City). He specifically requested assistance with fast-tracking the BPCL refinery project, addressing urea shortages, expediting highway approvals, developing the Dugarajapatnam port, and establishing AI and Data centers in Visakhapatnam.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Seeks Central Support for Key Projects in Delhi Meetings**

**New Delhi, August 18, 2025:** Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh concluded a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Monday, seeking significant central government support for a range of development projects across the state. Mr. Lokesh met with Union Ministers S. Jaishankar (External Affairs), Hardeep Singh Puri (Petroleum & Natural Gas), J.P. Nadda (Health and Chemicals & Fertilizers), Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport & Highways), and Sarbananda Sonowal (Ports, Shipping & Waterways).

A key focus of the discussions was securing central assistance for establishing an AI Centre of Excellence and a Data City in Visakhapatnam, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leader in India’s global workforce. Mr. Lokesh urged Mr. Jaishankar to facilitate collaborations with Singapore and other countries, and expand welfare programs for migrant workers from Andhra Pradesh.

In the energy sector, Mr. Lokesh emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the BPCL refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Ramayapatnam, a project promised under the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014. He also sought support for LPG schemes and investments in the energy and maritime sectors.

Addressing the urgent issue of urea shortage, Mr. Lokesh received assurance from Mr. Nadda that 29,000 tonnes of urea would be allocated to Andhra Pradesh by August 21. The establishment of a Plastic Park and a permanent campus for the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Visakhapatnam were also discussed.

Infrastructure development was a major point of discussion with Mr. Gadkari. Mr. Lokesh requested expedited approvals for highway expansions, including a greenfield highway connecting Kuppam, Hosur, and Bengaluru. He also reiterated the state’s request for integrated double-decker flyovers with metro corridors along NH-16 and support for the Vijayawada Eastern Bypass.

In the meeting with Mr. Sonowal, Mr. Lokesh emphasized the importance of speedy approvals for the Dugarajapatnam major port project. He also discussed the progress of Sagarmala projects in Andhra Pradesh and sought funding for upgrading ports and establishing new passenger routes and cargo terminals.

The meetings signal Andhra Pradesh’s strong commitment to driving economic growth and infrastructure development through strategic partnerships with the central government. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to have a significant impact on the state’s development trajectory.

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