Plan to expand AP's road network, says Minister BC Janardhan Reddy

VIJAYAWADA: Roads and Buildings, Investments, and Infrastructure Minister BC Janardhan Reddy announced a comprehensive plan to restore the State's road network to its former glory.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the State government has allocated Rs 400 crore through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to develop 1,246 km of district major roads, undertaking 192 projects to enhance rural connectivity.
The Minister revealed that the coalition government, since assuming power, has been working tirelessly to address the severe deterioration of roads caused by the previous YSRCP administration's neglect.
He highlighted that Rs 861 crore has already been invested to make approximately 20,000 km of roads pothole-free within a stipulated time frame. Additionally, Rs 600 crore is being utilised to upgrade completely damaged State highways and district roads under the 'C' category. He noted that rural roads, left unrepaired by the previous YSRCP government, have turned into hazardous stretches with large potholes, causing significant inconvenience and fear among local communities.
Responding to proposals from the Chief Minister's Office, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, the government has prioritised rural road development to alleviate public hardships. The Rs 400 crore NABARD allocation will specifically target these rural roads to ensure better infrastructure. In a move to support contractors, CM Naidu has approved the release of Rs 100 crore to clear pending bills for pothole-free road works. The Minister stated that payments will be processed swiftly based on seniority for contractors who have uploaded their bills, ensuring timely disbursal.
He emphasised the coalition government's commitment to delivering high-quality roads, addressing the struggles faced by citizens due to pothole-ridden roads over the past five years. He expressed confidence that, over the next five years, the State's entire road network would be significantly improved, restoring AP's roads to their past glory.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Indian Express

27 minutes ago

• Indian Express

ACB arrests AMC estate inspector in disproportionate assets case

The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested an estate inspector of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for alleged possession of disproportionate assets (DA) to the tune of Rs 3.07 crore, according to a statement. The ACB statement issued on Thursday stated that the accused Jignesh Surendra Shah, a Class-2 Estate/TDO Inspector of East Zone of the AMC, was booked and arrested for the alleged possession of disproportionate assets (DA) to the tune of Rs 3.07 crore, which it alleged was 102.47% disproportionate to his known sources of income. According to the statement, the ACB conducted its preliminary inquiry based on an application it received regarding Shah's allegedly disproportionate assets. The ACB said that the period of investigation ranged between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2022, during which the officer had allegedly used unlawful means to accumulate disproportionate assets. The investigation is being carried out by ACB Police Inspector VD Chaudhary. Further probe into the matter is underway.

Indian Express

32 minutes ago

• Indian Express

Gujarat: 40-km detour for Chhota Udepur commuters after Bharaj river diversion closed

The commute to and from the tribal district Chhota Udepur would now require a detour of an additional 40 kilometers after the district administration ordered the closure of a makeshift diversion constructed on the Bharaj river and witnessed a partial washout due to heavy rains. The diversion made on the riverbed by making culverts in the riverpath has been the only connection for vehicular traffic to the tribal district after the dilapidated main bridge on NH56, over the river, collapsed in August 2024 due to heavy rains. On Saturday, District Collector Gargi Jain and officials of the district police department rushed to the spot as the diversion was washed out due to heavy rain. The diversion was ordered to be closed until the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) examined the same for structural stability. Instead, vehicular traffic was directed to take the old highway connecting Chhota Udepur to Vadodara, which means a detour of 40 km. Sharing more details, Jain said, 'The diversion that was created on the Bharaj bridge has shown several cracks. The NHAI is conducting a structural stability analysis and once the report is received, we will decide based on the strength of the structure assessed if it should be opened to traffic. For now, we are closing the diversion'. 'There is an old diversion road that can be used by motorists in the interim. We will decide after the NHAI report what should be done,' the district collector added. The Bharaj bridge has been a contentious issue since July 2023, when it was damaged due to flooding after water was released from the Sukhi dam. The bridge was subsequently closed for a long time. In August 2024, a major part of the dilapidated bridge had collapsed during the monsoon. The NHAI is currently working on constructing a new bridge over the river, the foundation stone for which was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit on May 26 this year. The new bridge is estimated to be built at a cost of Rs 26 crore.

Time of India

33 minutes ago

• Time of India

Strict action will be taken against projects lacking proper permissions, says HYDRAA chief

Hyderabad: At the Times Home Hunt Property Expo held recently, Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) commissioner A V Ranganath cautioned that any new projects lacking proper permissions or built on encroached land will face strict action. 'Only layouts approved before HYDRAA's formation on July 19 last year will be exempt. All others must comply with current regulations,' said Ranganath, noting that unchecked construction contributed significantly to urban issues like flooding and traffic congestion. HYDRAA was set up not just as a watchdog, he said, but also as a proactive body aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible urban development. 'HYDRAA is not just about demolitions. We are focused on creating a healthier, more environmentally conscious real estate ecosystem,' Ranganath added. The authority is working closely with other agencies to rejuvenate lakes, address urban flooding, and improve drainage infrastructure. He also pointed out that traffic congestion alone costs the state nearly Rs 300 crore in infrastructure loss, underscoring the need for better planning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'We received criticism that HYDRAA slowed real estate activity, but there were geopolitical concerns, delays in RERA clearances, and approval bottlenecks at GHMC and HMDA—also played a role. If a project is legally approved, we won't interfere. Our aim is to ensure compliance and environmental responsibility,' he said.