Amaravati is set to become Andhra Pradesh's new capital after 18 centuries as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today lay the foundation stone in Guntur district of the state, with the ceremony slated on Vijaya Dasami, considered one of the most auspicious days of the year in South India.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a new passenger terminal, constructed at a cost of 190 crore rupees, at the Tirupati airport and he will also lay the foundation stone for a mobile phones manufacturing hub to come up close to the airport.
He was later offer prayers at the famous hill shrine of Tirumala. This will be his maiden visit to the temple after becoming the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party in the state, YSR Congress is demanding that during the visit, the Prime Minister should give clarity on the issue of granting Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. They have sought an appointment with the Prime Minsiter today.
Security has been beefed up in the temple town in view of the Prime Minister's visit. More than 4,000 personnel have been deployed.
According to reports, the Prime Minister is expected to be shown a presentation on the 'past, present and future' of Amaravati, a place of immense historical, mythological and cultural significance.