Andhra Pradesh Embraces PPP for Highways

02 Dec 2024 CW Team

Andhra Pradesh has decided to develop 10,200 km of state highways using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu approved the proposal during a review meeting with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department. This marks the first time the state will adopt the PPP model for state highway development.

Key Highlights Phase 1 Scope: Development of 18 roads spanning 1,307 km. DPR Preparation: Officials directed to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and expedite construction work. Toll Policy: Tolls will apply only to heavy commercial vehicles, while two-wheelers, autos, tractors, and agricultural vehicles are exempt. Viability Gap Funding and Focus on Quality The government may provide viability gap funding to ensure projects are financially feasible without burdening the public. Emphasis is placed on:

Delivering high-quality, safe roads. Implementing toll rates that are fair and non-exploitative. Blacklisting contractors who fail to meet quality standards. Pothole-Free Roads Initiative Cost Outlay: ?861 crore for repairing 22,299 km of roads in the R&B network. Progress: Potholes filled on 1,991 km. 1,447 km deemed beyond repair, requiring complete rebuilding at a cost of ?581 crore. Deadline: All works targeted for completion by Sankranti festival. Benefits and Outlook The PPP model, successfully used for national highways, is expected to boost state highway infrastructure by leveraging private sector efficiency and investment. This initiative aims to enhance:

Connectivity and road safety. Economic activity, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Public convenience, through exemptions for everyday and agricultural vehicles. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on sustainable infrastructure while safeguarding public interests.

Real Estate

02 Apr 2026

Indian real estate attracts USD 1.4 bn institutional investments in Q1 2026: Vestian

Institutional investments in India’s real estate sector touched USD 1.4 billion in Q1 2026, marking the highest first-quarter inflow since 2022, according to Vestian. While investments fell 62 per cent quarter-on-quarter due to an exceptionally high base in the previous quarter, they rose 74 per cent compared to the same period last year, reflecting sustained investor confidence despite rising geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges.Commercial real estate remained the key driver of investment activity during the quarter, accounting for 80 per cent of total inflows, sharply higher than 38 p..

VECV crosses 1 lakh annual vehicle sales milestone in FY26

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, has surpassed the 1 lakh annual sales mark in FY 2025–26, recording its highest-ever commercial vehicle sales performance. The company said it sold more than 100,000 vehicles during the year, marking a major milestone aligned with the original vision of the Volvo–Eicher joint venture.The strong performance was supported by demand across categories. Light and Medium Duty (LMD) trucks contributed 47,789 units, accounting for 46.1 per cent of total sales. Heavy Duty (HD) trucks recorded 26,867 units (25.9 pe..

Rodic Digital & Advisory partners SatSure to deploy EO intelligence in public sector

Rodic Digital & Advisory (RDA), the strategic advisory and digital transformation arm of Rodic Consultants, has signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SatSure to jointly pursue opportunities in India’s public sector. The collaboration aims to integrate high-resolution Earth Observation (EO) data and geospatial AI into government workflows to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and operational decision-making across key sectors.The partnership combines SatSure’s Earth intelligence capabilities with RDA’s expertise in government digital transformation and ..