Several Panchayat Raj roads in the district are set to receive a major upgrade after the Union government sanctioned Rs 1 billion for laying and improving roads over a total stretch of about 212 km under the SASCI scheme, aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure. Officials from the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department said preparations are under way to expedite the tendering process so that construction work can begin at the earliest. The Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) was introduced by the Government of India with the objective of supporting capital expenditure by states and developing rural infrastructure, particularly around important tourist and economic centres. Under the scheme, the Union government has allocated Rs 20 billion to Andhra Pradesh for strengthening rural road networks. As part of this allocation, the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department has sanctioned Rs 1.0028 billion for 66 road works across eight Assembly segments in the district. The works include the construction of Barrackpore Trunk roads, cement concrete roads, gravel roads and water bound macadam roads. The sanctioned works cover 14 projects in the Srikakulam Assembly segment, 12 in Tekkali, nine each in Itchapuram and another segment, seven in Narasannapeta, six each in Amadalavalasa and Pathapatnam, and four works in the Palasa Assembly segment. Officials said the projects would significantly improve rural connectivity and transport efficiency. Speaking on the progress, the Panchayat Raj Superintending Engineer said the tendering process is currently under way and construction activities will commence as soon as contracts are awarded. He added that the department is focused on ensuring timely execution to deliver durable road infrastructure for rural communities.