Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing national highway projects on Thursday, meeting with state officials and highway authorities to discuss progress and upcoming goals. In this comprehensive review, officials informed CM Naidu that 129 highway projects, spanning an impressive 3,300 km and costing ₹76,000 crore, are actively underway. Additionally, new projects valued at ₹30,000 crore are set to commence soon.
Emphasizing the importance of these infrastructure projects, Naidu remarked that they are poised to build on the legacy of the Swarnachaturbhuja (Golden Quadrilateral) roads, providing essential facilities that will bolster the nation’s economy and elevate the living standards of Andhra Pradesh’s citizens.
To ensure the timely completion of these ambitious projects, Naidu has announced the formation of a nine-member task force, which includes representatives from the National Highway, Forest, Railway, Roads, and Revenue Departments. This team will streamline coordination across departments, addressing any arising issues through a special portal designed to keep all parties updated and in sync. This platform will accelerate the resolution of challenges, preventing project delays and fostering smoother workflows.
Further easing the construction process, CM Naidu assured contractors of a free sand supply for highway construction and swift approvals for gravel acquisition, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to removing logistical barriers. To monitor progress, Naidu stated that every project would undergo quarterly reviews, with firm actions to be taken against delays. Notably, the state is advancing three critical projects under the Bharat Mala initiative, including the development of six-lane roads spanning Raipur-Visakhapatnam, Chittoor-Thatchur, and Bangalore-Kadapa. These projects will cover 518 km within Andhra Pradesh, greatly enhancing connectivity across the state.
The Chief Minister also addressed pending land acquisitions involving 11 projects worth ₹24,766 crore. He noted that permissions are awaited from the Forest Department for constructing a 7.5 km stretch along the Bangalore-Kadapa-Vijayawada Expressway.
Expressing gratitude to the central government for upgrading the Ranasthalam-Srikakulam highway to a four-lane route, Naidu revealed plans for an eight-lane highway in Andhra Pradesh. He also touched on the state’s sand supply, announcing that sand would be free for citizens and builders alike. Reflecting on past administrations, Naidu alleged misuse of natural resources, including sand, which had adversely impacted over 30 lakh construction workers due to supply issues at the time.
In a commitment to boost agriculture, Naidu vowed to supply irrigation water to every acre of farmland in the state by interlinking rivers. A new water policy is in the works, aimed at improving water accessibility across Andhra Pradesh. He also responded to allegations surrounding YSRC president Jagan Mohan Reddy, citing investigations into certain government orders and decisions by the YSRC government.
On a related development, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan commented on the newly approved railway line connecting Amaravati, noting it as a transformative project for the city’s development and the state’s growth. This railway line is also expected to contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s climate goals by reducing CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 25 lakh trees.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu lauded the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve the Amaravati railway line, describing it as historic and pivotal for the expansion of Amaravati and the reduction of congestion in Vijayawada. MP Daggubati Purandeswari echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the central government’s commitment to Andhra Pradesh through financial backing of ₹12,500 crore for the Polavaram project and ₹2,245 crore for the new railway line in Amaravati.
These developments underscore a future where a dual government system supports Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure, enabling prosperity for all.
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