Naidu Meets Central Ministers and Seeks Nod for Land Grabbing Ban Bill

07 Mar 2025 CW Team

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held discussions with several central ministers on Wednesday, seeking swift approval for two significant bills aimed at tackling land grabbing and drug-related issues in the state.

During his visit, Naidu met Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the rising number of land-grabbing cases and the state’s efforts to combat drug abuse, particularly the cultivation and trade of ganja. The state government has proposed the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill 2024 and another legislation to curb drug-related activities. These bills are intended to strengthen legal measures against offenders and introduce preventive strategies.

Naidu also met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss various state projects. The Andhra Pradesh government has outlined a strategy to eliminate ganja cultivation by targeting its sources and promoting alternative livelihood options for those dependent on the trade.

The chief minister emphasised the need for central support in implementing these measures effectively. The proposed legislation aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities, introduce stricter penalties, and create rehabilitation programs for affected communities. The state government is also working on initiatives to improve governance and infrastructure, ensuring a more secure and economically stable environment.

By engaging with central leaders, Naidu sought to expedite the approval process for these bills, which are considered crucial for maintaining law and order in Andhra Pradesh.

News source: Deccan Herald

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Pune To Build Nine Km Link Road Between Highways

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint an expert to plan the development of a nine km long, 60 metre wide road from Khadi Machine chowk to Wadki chowk as an extension to the Katraj-Kondhwa road to link the Mumbai-Satara and Pune-Solapur national highways. The scheme is intended to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city and improve access between the two arterial routes. The project has been prioritised by the PMC and forms part of a larger set of schemes in which 19 roads have been identified for development at a combined cost of Rs 9.82 billion (bn) to address c..

Barabanki Bahraich Six Lane Highway Approved in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved construction of a new six-lane highway linking Barabanki and Bahraich as part of National Highway 927, and the cabinet has cleared the project. The alignment will pass through Mustafabad and Kaiserganj and extend for about 101.5 km, creating a key corridor for local and long-distance movement. The National Highways Authority of India will oversee the work and has signalled the scheme is intended to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border access to Nepal. The project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 69,690 million, equivalent to Rs 69.69..

Toll At Kharegaon Likely As Highway Upgrade Nears Completion

A section of the highway at Kharegaon has undergone an upgrade and is approaching completion, and authorities have indicated plans for a toll to be introduced once works finish. The project has focused on strengthening the carriageway, improving drainage and upgrading intersections to enhance safety and capacity. Officials have said the toll will be used to recover construction costs and fund ongoing maintenance. The upgrade included resurfacing of the pavement, widening of certain stretches and installation of modern signage and lighting to reduce accident risk. Contractors completed most ma..