In a significant push for infrastructure development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has issued clear directives to expedite major road projects across the state. During a comprehensive review meeting held on Thursday with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state's Roads and Buildings Department, Naidu emphasized the critical need for timely completion of these vital connectivity initiatives.
Ambitious Timelines for National Highway Expansion
The chief minister set ambitious deadlines for several key projects, most notably instructing officials to ensure the completion of the Bengaluru–Vijayawada economic corridor works by 2027. This corridor is expected to significantly boost economic activity between the two important southern cities. Furthermore, Naidu directed that all ongoing national highway projects in Andhra Pradesh, collectively valued at a staggering Rs 1.40 lakh crore, must be finalized by 2029.
Focus on Port Connectivity and Freight Efficiency
Naidu highlighted that road development should fundamentally aim at reducing freight transportation costs, thereby enhancing the state's economic competitiveness. He specifically asked departments to ensure robust connectivity between the expanding national highway network and major ports, including Moolapeta, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, and Krishnapatnam. The vision extends to linking hinterland regions, enabling efficient cargo movement from neighboring states directly to Andhra Pradesh's ports.
Upgradation and New Project Initiatives
The chief minister stressed the importance of upgrading existing 2-lane national highways to 4 and 6 lanes to accommodate growing traffic. Officials informed the meeting that projects worth Rs 42,194 crore are currently under progress, and Naidu directed that all these ongoing works should be wrapped up by December of next year. He also set a specific target for the completion of the Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor by 2027.
Looking ahead, Naidu asked officials to finalize the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the proposed Kharagpur–Amaravati greenfield expressway. He emphasized that priority road projects should be taken up immediately after securing necessary approvals, and proposals to the Central government should be submitted without delay. The review also covered plans for enhancing road connectivity from Nagpur to Machilipatnam via Vijayawada, and for roads linking Raipur–Amaravati and Moolapeta Port with Jagdalpur and Raipur.
State Road Network Enhancement and Maintenance
Directing the Roads and Buildings Department to expand the existing state road network, Naidu reviewed the progress on 6,054 km of roads currently under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore. Officials reported that new and innovative technologies are being piloted, including the use of Danish fibre, waste plastic bitumen, and nano-concrete developed by IIT Tirupati.
Ensuring Road Quality and Sustainable Maintenance
A major focus of the meeting was on maintenance and quality. Naidu instructed officials to ensure that the extensive 45,000 km network of state and district roads remains free of potholes and to secure the necessary funds for their upkeep. He advocated for regular monitoring of road conditions using advanced RAMS technology. Additionally, he proposed that 709 km of roads across 12 stretches be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The chief minister also called for strong and durable road works, particularly in the undivided East Godavari and West Godavari districts.
The high-level review meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Roads and Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy, Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu, and senior officials from the NHAI, underscoring the government's commitment to transforming Andhra Pradesh's road infrastructure.
