Polio Drive Launched In NTR District; Andhra CM Seeks Centre's Nod For Metro Projects

NTR District Collector Lakshmi Sha inaugurated the Pulse Polio immunisation drive in Vijayawada, aiming to cover all children under five years of age. Separately, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held meetings in New Delhi with Union Ministers, seeking expedited approval for metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada and central funding support for developing Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub.

Key Points: Polio Drive In NTR, Andhra CM Meets Central Ministers For Metro, Horticulture Hub | ANI

  • NTR District Collector launches Pulse Polio immunisation drive targeting children under five
  • Andhra Pradesh CM meets Union Minister to fast-track approval for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects
  • CM emphasises need for modern urban mobility in expanding cities to reduce congestion and boost growth
  • Chief Minister seeks central funding to develop Rayalaseema region as a major horticulture hub
  • Revised Detailed Project Reports for both metro systems submitted to Centre for clearance
  • State government seeks financial support through central schemes for long-term economic development
2 min read

Polio drive launched in NTR, Andhra; "Campaign to ensure every child under 5 gets polio drops", says NTR collector

NTR Collector launches Pulse Polio drive. Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu meets Union Ministers, seeks approval for Vizag, Vijayawada metro projects and funding for Rayalaseema horticulture hub.

"The main purpose of this campaign is to ensure that every child under 5 years old gets two drops of polio so they can be healthy and happy in the future. - Lakshmi Sha / NTR District Collector"

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), December 21

NTR district Collector Lakshmi Sha on Sunday inaugurated the Pulse Polio programme by administering polio drops to children at the launch event in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector said, "The immunisation day is being conducted across the state and in our entire district on December 21st, 2025. The main purpose of this campaign is to ensure that every child under 5 years old gets two drops of polio so they can be healthy and happy in the future."

He appealed to the public to participate in the drive, saying, "We are requesting that all parents and all citizens be part of it..."

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Friday and sought the Centre's approval for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail Projects.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both metro systems have already been submitted for approval and emphasised early clearance to accelerate development in the state's fastest-growing urban centres.

He explained the importance of modern urban mobility for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, saying, "Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada require robust, modern and sustainable urban mobility solutions to keep pace with their expanding populations, growing economic activity and rising transportation demands."

Highlighting the benefits of metro connectivity, he said, "Metro rail connectivity would significantly reduce congestion, enhance productivity, improve mobility for citizens, and support long-term economic growth."

CM Naidu urged the Union Minister to fast-track the approval process, so groundwork for both metro projects can begin at the earliest.

The Andhra Pradesh CM also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and requested funding support through Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for developing Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub.

He said, "Delighted to meet the Hon'ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji, in New Delhi today. With the support of Central initiatives such as Purvodaya, Andhra Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a major growth engine for eastern India."

Naidu added, "I also requested funding support through SASCI, support for our plans to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub, and Central budgetary assistance to accelerate the long-term economic development of our state."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the polio drive getting attention. But the article jumps from polio to metro projects and horticulture hubs. Feels a bit scattered. While all are important, maybe focus on one issue at a time for better impact? Just my two paise.
S
Suresh O
Polio eradication is a national mission we should all support. I remember the days when polio was a real fear. Thanks to these consistent drives, our children are safe. Please, all parents, cooperate with the health workers. Jai Hind!
A
Ananya R
The metro projects for Vizag and Vijayawada are crucial for development. Traffic is becoming a nightmare. Hope the Centre approves the DPRs quickly. Infrastructure and health – both are pillars of a progressing Andhra Pradesh!
V
Vikram M
Developing Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub is a brilliant idea. It can create so many jobs and boost the local economy. Hope the funding comes through. Good to see the CM is pushing for multiple development projects.
K
Kavya N
The health workers who go door-to-door for the polio drive are the real heroes. They work in difficult conditions. We should welcome them with a smile and a glass of water, not just with our children. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50