Andhra Pradesh Gets Major Road Infra Boost with ₹3,719 Cr Investment Under CRIF

Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a huge boost in terms of road infrastructure with 20 odd state road projects completed and many more in the pipeline under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), said Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in the Lok Sabha.

Replying to a question raised by Eluru MP Putta Mahesh Kumar, Gadkari said that 20 projects covering 691 km have been executed over the past three years, including the current financial year, with a total cost of ₹535 crore.

Currently, the momentum is being carried forward with 55 projects covering 534 km under execution with an approved cost of ₹1,256 crore. This work is expected to considerably improve district connectivity, ease travel, and facilitate freight movement.

Apart from the work in progress, the Centre has approved 57 new projects in Andhra Pradesh under CRIF. They will extend 718 km with an investment of ₹1,928 crore. The officials believe that it will create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities through major transport corridors.

“The CRIF is based on the provisions of the CRIF Act, 2000, which ensures that funds are equitably distributed among the States and Union Territories for the development and maintenance of roads,” said Gadkari. He added that this fund is of utmost importance for the construction of resilient infrastructure, which could match the increasing needs of trade, industry, and tourism.

Projects under the CRIF include the expansion of key state highways, the reinforcement of rural and semi-urban roads, and the improvement of connectivity between industrial and agricultural hubs. Experts say that the continued investment will help Andhra Pradesh to meet the national logistics efficiency targets and attract new industrial investments.

“With sustained investments and planned interventions, Andhra Pradesh is on track for a world-class road network,” Gadkari stated while stressing the Centre’s commitment towards improving transport infrastructure in-depth.

Upon realization, the cumulative network of the recently completed, ongoing, and newly sanctioned projects will add over 1,940 km of upgraded road infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, amounting to an investment of nearly ₹3,719 crore.