Manmohan Singh’s dream projects in Tirupati fail to take off

The projects inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh in Tirupati, including NBPPL and Tirupati airport, remain unrealised despite high hopes.

Former Prime Minister the late Dr. Manmohan Singh had brought several projects to Andhra Pradesh during his tenure in office, but unfortunately, two of his favourite initiatives for Tirupati failed to take off.

Dr. Singh’s visit to the district on September 1, 2010, was etched in annals of Tirupati’s history owing to the high-profile inauguration of two major projects—NTPC-BHEL Power Projects Limited (NBPPL) at Mannavaram near Srikalahasti and the new integrated terminal complex of the Tirupati International Airport in Renigunta.

NBPPL, a joint venture between two Miniratna companies, was meant to construct coal handling plants, ash handling plants and water treatment plants for thermal power stations.

The project was conceived at a time when the world was moving towards renewable energy, and as such, the NBPPL’s product line could not find takers amid global recession. The product line was shrunk and eventually shelved. The government is currently contemplating on taking back the land and put it to better use, such as for a semi-conductor SEZ or a solar park.

Similarly, the Tirupati airport is yet to witness a regular flight to international destinations, fourteen years into its formal inauguration, although private chartered flights are making occasional appearances. The first international flight meant for Kuwait never took off, disappointing the large number of migrant workers from Rajampet, Kadapa and Rayachoti areas in the neighbourhood.

In his address, Dr. Manmohan Singh had said: “Once operational, the Tirupati airport will have the capacity to handle 500 domestic and 200 international passengers during peak hours. Pilgrims from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka would find it easier to come to Tirupati in large numbers, contributing to its development into a major religious-cum-tourist hub”. His vision remains unrealised today.