Andhra Govt plans state highways through PPP model

27 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Andhra Pradesh state government has decided to implement a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the development of state highways, planning to construct 10,200 km of roads under this initiative. During a review meeting with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu approved the proposal, marking the first time state highways in Andhra Pradesh will be developed using the PPP model. In the initial phase, 18 roads spanning 1,307 km will be constructed. The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) and commence work at the earliest. He noted that the public had positively accepted the PPP model for national highways and anticipated a similar response for state highways if high-quality roads are provided. However, Naidu urged caution regarding toll collection on these roads. He instructed that two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, tractors, and other vehicles used for agricultural purposes be exempted from tolls, with charges likely to apply only to heavy commercial and transport vehicles. He assured that the government would provide viability gap funding if necessary, to avoid imposing financial burdens on the public. The primary goals, he emphasised, are to ensure high-quality roads and enhance road safety for citizens. The Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing pothole-free roads programme, which has a budget of ?861 crore. He urged officials to complete all works by Sankranti, ensuring quality while expediting the process. Contractors failing to meet quality standards would be blacklisted, he warned. Officials reported that out of the total R&B road network of 45,378 km, 22,299 km require repairs. Thus far, potholes have been repaired on 1,991 km of roads, but 1,447 km are beyond repair and will need complete reconstruction at an estimated cost of Rs 5.81 billion.

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