Andhra Pradesh Announces Rs 560 bn Infrastructure Push
Special emphasis has been placed on development in Visakhapatnam, Krishna and Guntur districts, where road works valued at Rs 7.5 bn are under execution and funds have been earmarked to complete 13 unfinished bridges. The administration is pursuing public-private partnership models, and six major road projects covering 405 km are being taken up at a cost of Rs 25.06 bn. Officials indicated that improved links to industrial corridors, ports, airports and urban centres are intended to accelerate investment and economic activity.
Technological interventions are being introduced, including a digital dashboard to identify damaged roads and monitor repair works in real time, and the adoption of advanced construction methods to improve durability so roads that previously lasted four years can remain serviceable for seven to eight years. Contractors will be required to take responsibility for long-term maintenance to bolster accountability and quality standards. The minister said Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the leading states in national highway development, with thousands of kilometres under various stages of construction and expansion.
The plan envisages four new airports, including proposals at Kuppam, Srikakulam and Amaravati, while port development is attracting fresh investment and supporting industry. The minister alleged that delayed payments and limited prior activity had discouraged contractors and added that the government has sanctioned nearly Rs 30 bn over the past two years to revive stalled projects. He noted that the Godavari Pushkar road works, covering nearly 400 km, are being undertaken at a cost of Rs 4.39 bn as part of the infrastructure push.