VIJAYAWADA: National Highway (NH) projects worth Rs 76,000 crore are currently underway in Andhra Pradesh, according to discussions held at a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The meeting, which took place at the State Secretariat, revealed that road construction works spanning 3,000 kilometres, across 129 NH projects, are progressing in the State.
Additionally, officials indicated that new NH projects amounting to Rs 30,000 crore will be initiated soon.
During the meeting, CM Naidu emphasised the importance of robust infrastructure in fostering economic growth and improving the living standards of the population.
He urged officials and contractors to maintain high-quality standards in all ongoing projects.
Naidu was briefed that around 260 kilometres of NH projects were delayed due to various issues such as court cases, land acquisition challenges, and pending clearances from the forest department. In response, he directed officials to resolve these obstacles within the next three months to expedite the progress of the projects.
To ensure smoother interdepartmental coordination, Naidu announced the formation of a task force committee that will include officials from the NH, Forest, Railway, Revenue, and Roads and Buildings departments.
This task force will aim to improve collaboration among the departments involved in highway construction. Furthermore, a dedicated portal will be established to facilitate the resolution of issues by providing immediate solutions through a centralised platform.
In an effort to accelerate construction, Naidu stated that contractors engaged in NH projects would be allowed to access sand for free. He also assured that measures would be taken to provide construction agencies with the necessary gravel approvals. Reiterating the government’s commitment to completing NH projects, Naidu mentioned that the progress of these works will be reviewed periodically. He also warned contractors that delays would not be tolerated and that actions would be taken against those responsible for any setbacks.
Later, at a press conference, Naidu expressed his satisfaction with the Central government’s approval of the Ranasthalam-Srikakulam elevated six-lane highway project.
He noted that the Rs 252.42 crore project, aimed at upgrading the highway, would help ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and create new socio-economic opportunities for the region. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also highlighted on social media that this project would enhance urban mobility and spur economic activity.
‘Jagan resorted to family politics to divert attention’
Taking a dig at YSRC president, Naidu accused YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of diverting public attention by involving his mother and sister in political disputes. Naidu questioned YS Jagan’s wealth, asking how he had accumulated such vast assets since 2004 and whether he had faced any scrutiny regarding the transfer of his father, YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s properties.