Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure isn’t just impressive—it’s decades ahead of its time, according to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. In a candid conversation with NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Naidu boldly declared, 'We built supreme infrastructure in Andhra.' But here’s where it gets controversial: while many states are still playing catch-up, Andhra’s projects—like outer ring roads and large-scale road widening—have become benchmarks for the nation. 'Even today, states replicate our models two or three decades later,' Naidu pointed out. 'That’s the legacy we’ve built.'
Naidu emphasized that this isn’t just Andhra’s success—it’s India’s. 'What started here is now part of the country’s development story,' he said. But this is the part most people miss: Naidu dismisses the idea of interstate rivalry, especially when states like Maharashtra talk about global competition. 'Why compete when we can collaborate? If one state wins, India wins,' he argued. It’s a refreshing take in a world often driven by zero-sum thinking.
When it comes to attracting investors—like Google’s proposed data center—Naidu is clear: incentives like electricity concessions or GST reimbursements are transparent, not indiscriminate giveaways. 'I’m not handing out money from the exchequer,' he clarified. And on the hot-button issue of land allocation, Naidu drew from his Hyderabad experience. 'Land that was once worth a few thousand rupees per acre is now sold for hundreds of crores,' he noted. 'Development drives value—not just for companies, but for entire communities.'
But here’s the thought-provoking part: Naidu’s push for IT-led growth in the mid-1990s was met with fierce opposition. 'I was heckled,' he recalled. 'But who’s benefiting today? The country. The people.' From telecom deregulation to open-sky aviation agreements, his policies faced criticism but ultimately transformed India’s landscape.
Fast forward to Davos 2026, and Naidu is focused on wealth creation and empowerment. 'This is an inspiring time for India,' he said, comparing the rise of Indian tech hubs to Silicon Valley’s heyday. 'Why is Hyderabad booming? Because the ecosystem is there.' Now, he’s replicating this model in Andhra, particularly in Visakhapatnam.
The numbers speak for themselves: in just 18 months, Andhra has attracted investments worth nearly Rs 20 lakh crore, with commitments to create 23 lakh jobs. And Naidu isn’t stopping there. He’s eyeing emerging sectors like quantum technology, green hydrogen, and renewable energy, which he says will keep electricity prices in check.
But here’s the question for you: Is Naidu’s collaborative approach the future of India’s growth, or does healthy competition among states drive innovation? And are transparent incentives enough to balance development and public interest? Let’s discuss—because this is one conversation that’s far from over.
