Andhra Pradesh to Add 2,000 km of Roads, Launch Rs 1,500 Cr Repair Blitz

It has been announced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that construction of a new road stretch worth 2,000 km will take place in 000 crores, and it is a step towards boosting infrastructure. During a review meeting with the Roads and Buildings Department recently, the CM stressed on urgent repairs of roads due to heavy rains and announced an extra allocation of 500 crore for all states and damaged roads.

Reports put forth by the officials claim that almost 20,000 kilometers of pothole-free roads are already in existence. The Chief Minister also emphasized transparency and accountability by calling for the details of road contractors to be published online and CCTV cameras to be installed every 50 kilometers. Contractors will now take on the responsibility of maintaining roads, including special measures to prevent rain damage.

Whereas Andhra Pradesh has 12,653 km of state highways in total, 10,200 km of them are classified as being suitable for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) development. About this scheme, Phase 1A involves 18 roads covering 1,332 km, Phase 1B comprises 67 roads of 3,854 km, and Phase 2 proposes 175 roads covering 5,039 km. Also, evaluation is being done of two high-potential stretches, namely: Yelamanchili-Gajuwaka and Gajulamandyam-Sri City – SEZ, totaling 115 km for possible PPP development.

The government’s strategy will be a return to a policy of aggressive construction of roads with a view to long-term maintenance. This vision is in line with the concentration on road infrastructure as a primary development priority. It aims at increased connectivity, economic growth, and improved road safety.