Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that Phase-1 of the Polavaram project is expected to be completed by March 2027, following a significant financial commitment from the Union Government of ₹12,157 crore. This funding will be distributed in two tranches, with ₹6,000 crore allocated for the 2024-25 fiscal year and the remainder for 2025-26. Naidu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials for their support, calling the funding a historic step towards rejuvenating development in the state. He criticized the previous YSRCP government for abandoning the project, which has faced delays since its inception due to political changes and contractor issues. The Polavaram project aims to provide irrigation for 7.2 lakh acres and supply drinking water to 28.5 lakh people, while also generating 960 MW of hydropower. Naidu emphasized the project's potential to mitigate water wastage and prevent famine conditions in the region.