News Brief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. (Mohd Zakir/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a Rs 1,500 crore plan to upgrade Andhra Pradesh’s road network, announcing the construction of 2,000 km of new roads worth Rs 1,000 crore and repairs to existing roads costing Rs 500 crore, reported The Hindu.
During a review meeting with the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department at the State Secretariat, Naidu instructed officials to speed up cost estimations and begin the tendering process.
Highlighting road damage due to previous administrative neglect, he said, “Our roads must meet the quality standards of national highways,” and stressed year-round maintenance, including during the monsoon.
He gave officials 15 days to submit a detailed report on repair needs, new road proposals, and maintenance plans.
He also urged the use of advanced technologies to reduce construction costs and improve quality.
Officials reported that 20,000 km of roads have already been repaired and made pothole-free. Naidu demanded that construction begin by November and mandated that contractor details be made public online.
The Chief Minister emphasised Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in road development.
According to officials, of 12,653 km of state highways, 10,200 km across 260 roads are suitable for development under PPP.
In Phase 1A, 18 roads (1,332 km) are proposed. Phase 1B includes 67 roads over 40 km (3,854 km), and Phase 2 covers 175 roads (20–40 km each) totaling 5,039 km.
Two strategic routes—Yelamanchili–Gajuwaka and Gajulamandyam–Sri City (115 km)—are also under consideration.
The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct feasibility studies and submit a final report on these proposals.