Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a significant hub for IT and technology, driven by its spirit of innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday. He added that “this is the moment for Andhra to establish itself as a center for new, futuristic technologies”.

Speaking at a public meeting in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam, PM Modi emphasized, “We must take the initiative in emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen, which is poised to be a vital sector of the future.”

During his visit, the Prime Minister led an extensive roadshow in Visakhapatnam, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects valued at ₹2 lakh crore.

Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, PM Modi paraded from the Sampath Vinayak Temple to the engineering college grounds at Andhra University. Large crowds gathered to greet them, showering the leaders with flowers and waving in response as they traveled in an open vehicle.

Among the projects inaugurated, PM Modi laid the foundation for a railway zone and NTPC’s integrated green hydrogen hub in Pudimadaka, located in the Anakapalli district. He also dedicated several road and rail projects to the nation.

“Our Andhra Pradesh is a land of possibilities and opportunities. It is only when these opportunities are realized that Andhra will thrive, and India will achieve its aspiration of becoming a developed nation. Therefore, Andhra’s progress is our vision, and we are committed to serving the people of the state,” stated PM Modi.

Commending the Telugu Desam Party-led government, the Prime Minister noted, “Andhra Pradesh aims to become a 2.5-trillion-dollar economy by 2047, a vision spearheaded by Chandrababu Naidu’s ‘Swarna Andhra @ 2047’ initiative, with the NDA-led central government supporting the state government every step of the way.”

He added, “Now is the time for Andhra to become a hub of new technologies.”

PM Modi announced that Visakhapatnam would host one of the few large-scale green hydrogen production facilities globally, which is expected to generate numerous job opportunities and foster a robust manufacturing ecosystem in the state.

He mentioned the foundation stone laydown for the Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli, highlighting that Andhra Pradesh is one of just three states in the country where such parks are being established.

“Our government sees urbanization as an opportunity, and we aspire to make Andhra Pradesh a model for new-age urbanization. Today, we have also laid the foundation for the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area to help realize this vision,” PM Modi added.

The Railway Board has introduced a Vande Bharat Express train specifically designed to tackle the harsh winter conditions of Jammu & Kashmir, intended for the forthcoming Katra-Srinagar rail route. This route is currently undergoing inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, according to officials.

Housed at the Shakurbasti coaching depot in New Delhi, the train boasts specialized climate-related features, as reported by the Railways. Railway officials detailed these features during a press briefing, noting that this train includes several enhancements compared to the other 136 Vande Bharat Express trains operating across the country, allowing it to effectively address the operational challenges and passenger comfort during extreme weather conditions in Jammu & Kashmir.

Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, explained, “It is equipped with advanced heating systems that prevent the freezing of the water tank and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for the vacuum system and laboratories, and ensure the air-brake system operates efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures.” He also mentioned that the train features embedded heating elements in the windshield to automatically defrost the driver’s front lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility in severe winter conditions.

In addition to these climate adaptations, the train maintains all the amenities found in existing Vande Bharat trains, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets. By establishing a more effective connection between the Kashmir Valley and the national railway network, the train symbolizes India’s commitment to reducing geographical and economic disparities, according to a press statement from the Railways.

On January 6, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed concerns about potential negative impacts in Jammu following the upcoming launch of direct rail services between Kashmir and the rest of the country. He assured that his government would work to ensure that the region reaps significant benefits from the long-awaited project.

Speaking at an event in Jammu connected to the virtual inauguration of the Jammu railway division by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah remarked on the positive news of the trial train’s arrival from Srinagar to Katra, expressing hope for the imminent inauguration by the Prime Minister.

However, he acknowledged some apprehensions among the locals regarding the rail service, particularly in Jammu. He noted, “It is often said that when the rail service reached Jammu from Pathankot (Punjab), conditions in Pathankot became somewhat challenging. Similarly, there are concerns in some areas that if trains start operating directly from Jammu to Kashmir, the situation in Jammu could mirror what happened in Pathankot.”

The family of the victim in the 2013 rape case against Asaram Bapu has been given additional security measures, following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant Asaram interim bail on medical grounds, said police on Wednesday.

Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Sanjay Kumar Sagar stated that he personally visited the victim’s home after the Supreme Court’s ruling and spoke with the family. “A police guard has already been stationed at the victim’s residence, and her father is provided with a gunner for additional security. We are now assigning more police personnel and have issued necessary instructions to the local police station and circle officer to ensure the family’s protection,” Sagar explained.

He also noted, “Orders have been issued to repair the non-functional CCTV cameras around the victim’s home, and her father has been advised to notify the authorities before leaving the premises. We are closely monitoring the family’s safety, given the high-profile nature of this case.”

The victim’s father expressed his shock at the news of Asaram’s interim bail, stating, “I haven’t been able to sleep since hearing this; I am immensely worried about my family’s safety. Even while in prison, Asaram was allegedly responsible for the murders of four witnesses — Rajkot’s Amrut Prajapati, Akhil Gupta (a cook), Lucknow’s Rahul Sachan, and Shahjahanpur’s Kripal Singh.”

He accused Asaram of orchestrating false cases against him in various locations, including Jammu, Jodhpur, Delhi, and Surasagar, while still incarcerated. “Two of my witnesses, Bholanand and Sureshanand, are currently missing. The government claims that laws exist to ensure capital punishment for crimes against minors, yet the court continues to show leniency in Asaram’s case,” he added.

Asaram, who is currently serving a life sentence for sexual assault, was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court until March 31, 2025, under specific conditions. His past privileges include a 7-day parole in 2018, which was later extended by an additional five days, and a more recent 17-day parole granted on December 10, 2024.

In 2013, Asaram was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor from Shahjahanpur at his ashram in Jodhpur, following a case filed by the victim’s father in Delhi, which ultimately led to Asaram receiving a life sentence.