Date: October 01, 2024
10,000 Crore Sanctioned for New Roads in Andhra Pradesh
Road Development Under YCP: A Major Setback
During the YCP regime from 2019 to 2024, the condition of roads in Andhra Pradesh became a topic of much debate and criticism. Despite several complaints from the public and the emergence of memes on social media, the YCP government failed to act. Their inability to clear dues for contractors and lay new road caused widespread frustration.
Many crucial roads were left in poor condition, causing immense inconvenience to people in both residential and commercial areas. The deteriorating road became a symbol of YCP’s administrative shortcomings, leading to a pressing need for change.
NDA Government’s ₹10,000 Crore Push for Road Infrastructure
With the election of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, led by CM Chandrababu Naidu and DCM Pawan Kalyan, there has been a renewed focus on improving infrastructure, especially road. Recognizing the urgency, the NDA government has approved an ambitious plan, sanctioning ₹10,000 crore for new road as well as for the renovation of existing ones.
The main objective of the new road development initiative is to fix the damages caused by natural disasters and to modernize the outdated infrastructure. This allocation will focus heavily on rural areas, where road have suffered the most damage.
Prioritizing Panchayatraj Roads and Rural Development
A significant portion of this budget, around ₹614 crore, has been earmarked for Panchayatraj road, specifically targeting those that have been affected by recent floods. According to official estimates, 3,941 kilometers of road across 2,534 residential areas need immediate attention.
New Roads in Residential Areas
In addition to the roads that need repairs, the government has identified 162 residential areas that are in need of new roads. For this purpose, the state has allocated ₹1,900 crore. These projects will cover 1,854 kilometers of road construction, which will significantly improve accessibility and connectivity in these regions.
Furthermore, loans worth ₹693 crore will be taken from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) to fund the construction of 1,827 kilometers of new roads in rural areas. This will help bolster rural infrastructure, which is crucial for economic development and the daily commute of residents.
Massive Overhaul in Road Maintenance
In a bid to fix the long-neglected road network, the Panchayatraj officials are planning to invite tenders for 126 kilometers of new roads, with ₹106 crore set aside for this particular project. Moreover, 4,635 kilometers of roads require urgent renovation, which includes filling potholes and laying BT roads (Bituminous Roads). This part of the renovation project will require ₹1,122 crore.
The state government’s plan also includes the development of 16,627 kilometers of new roads across the state. Once completed, these roads will drastically improve connectivity in both urban and rural regions.
Conclusion: A New Era for Roads in Andhra Pradesh
The ₹10,000 crore budget sanctioned by the NDA government marks the beginning of a new era in Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure development. The extensive plan to build and repair thousands of kilometers of roads reflects a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in the state. These efforts will not only ease transportation but also bolster the economy by improving connectivity between cities, towns, and rural regions.