Pothole-free roads

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu promised on Saturday that all roads under the Roads and Buildings department in the State would be transformed into major highways by Sankranti.
“Visitors to Andhra Pradesh during Sankranthi should feel proud to drive on such beautiful roads,” he stated while launching a project at Paravada in Anakapalle district aimed at creating pothole-free roads, funded with Rs 860 crore. After unveiling a plaque at Vennelapalem Junction for road repair works, the Chief Minister personally operated machinery to kick off the repairs.
Detailing the initiatives being undertaken by the TDP-led NDA government to enhance basic amenities, especially road facilities, he mentioned that drones would be deployed statewide to inspect potholes by Sankranthi. He assured that contractors who fail to complete roadworks on time would face consequences.
Expressing concern over the poor condition of roads throughout the state, which he attributed to the previous government’s negligence, Chandrababu said the Roads and Buildings department has been given a strict two-month deadline to restore all roads to excellent condition. He emphasised that well-maintained roads are essential for civilised living and development.
“The state is on the path to progress, with roads in excellent condition starting from Paravada village,” he added. The Chief Minister also outlined a clear five-year plan for road development, stating that ongoing national highway projects, costing `76,000 crore, would be completed within the next two and a half years.
Additionally, he announced that the Bhogapuram-Mulapet, Amaravati Outer Ring Road, and Vijayawada East Bypass Road would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 50,000 crore. “Over the next five years, national highways in the state will be constructed at a total expenditure of Rs 1.25 lakh crore,” Chandrababu declared. He noted the potential for several ports to be developed along the coast, as Andhra Pradesh has the longest coastline in the country.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing the railway transport system, the CM mentioned the construction of a four-lane railway line between Kolkata and Chennai, which would significantly reduce travel time and ease goods transport. He also informed the audience that the Centre has recently allocated Rs 2,500 crore for a rail line to Amaravati.
Chandrababu pointed out that the establishment of a proposed railway zone in Visakhapatnam had been delayed by five years due to the previous government’s failure to allocate the necessary land. He assured that the foundation stone for the railway zone would soon be laid, as 52 acres have been allotted at Mudasara since his government took office.
Reiterating his government’s priority to provide employment opportunities for youth, he announced an industrial policy aimed at offering maximum subsidies to industries that generate a significant number of jobs. He also stated that drones would soon be distributed to DWCRA women for agricultural pesticide spraying.
Chandrababu issued a strong warning against atrocities towards women, promising stringent action against such offences. He announced plans to install CCTV cameras to enhance women’s safety and affirmed that there would be no compromise on the liquor policy, with severe measures against illegal belt-shops.
Minister for Roads and Buildings, BC Janardhan, stated that since the TDP-led NDA assumed power, dues amounting to ?1,061 crore owed to contractors had been cleared, alongside the sanctioning of an additional ?860 crore for road repairs. The gathering included the Minister for Home, Vangalapudi Anitha, district in-charge Minister Kollu Ravindra, MLAs Ramesh Babu, Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy, and Vijay Kumar, along with district collector Vijay Krishnan and others.