PM likely to dedicate the HPCL expansion project to nation: GVL

Visakhapatnam Efforts are on to include the dedication of HPCL Visakh Refinery's Rs.26,000-crore expansion project to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his next visit to Visakhapatnam, BJP national spokesman and MP G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said this on Friday.

He told Bizz Buzz here that the Visakh Refinery was in an advanced stage of completing capacity addition from 8.33 million tonnes to 15 million tonnes. This apart, the launching of work on modernisation of Visakhapatnam Railway Station at a cost of about Rs.400 crore and the South Coast Railway Zone may also be included in the itinerary of the Prime Minister.

Stating that the Central Government had prioritised the projects funded by the Centre in Visakhapatnam, he said he was making frequent visits to the city to expedite implementation of various projects and sort out problems if any. He said Visakhapatnam Port Authority will complete work on the cruise terminal by next summer. The fishing harbour is also being modernised with an investment of Rs.150 crore.

Stating that the Government of India will fund entire expenses to be incurred on the Visakhapatnam-Bheemunipatnam beach corridor, he said the NHAI is in the process of conducting the DPR for the six-lane project and the onus of providing land lies on the State Government.

Rao said work on Rs.400-crore ESI Hospital for the industrial workers in the city is in progress, he said the land issue with regard to construction of the campuses for petroleum and tribal universities will be sorted soon.

The BJP leader said they are focusing on winning eight Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh in 2024, which include Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Narsapuram. He said they are interacting with the workers and leaders at various levels to strengthen the party at the grassroots and identifying various Central-funded projects for completion on time.