Andhra Pradesh unveils Rs 5,233 crore Green Roads Initiative for Sustainable Growth
Andhra Pradesh has received a significant impetus for its infrastructural development, with a financial outlay of ₹5,233 crore for multiple road projects. The official inauguration and foundation laying ceremony for 29 national highway projects signal a renewed focus on bolstering the state’s transportation network. This extensive investment is poised to enhance last-mile connectivity, decongest urban centres, and strengthen the state’s links with neighbouring regions. The projects align with a broader vision of creating resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban and rural landscapes by focusing on the four key pillars of development: water, power, transportation, and communication. This infrastructure push is designed to modernise the state’s road network and accelerate economic prosperity for all its citizens.
The inaugurated projects are strategic in their scope, aiming to streamline logistics and improve the ease of doing business. A key highlight is the four-laning of the Madanapalle-Pileru corridor, which will transform a crucial stretch of National Highway 71. This upgrade, costing ₹1,994 crore, includes the construction of nine flyovers, a rail overbridge, and multiple underpasses to ensure seamless traffic flow and enhance safety. Simultaneously, the Kurnool to Mandlem section of National Highway 340C has been upgraded to a four-lane road with paved shoulders, a project valued at ₹858 crore. These high-impact developments are expected to significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs, thereby boosting the state’s economic competitiveness and strengthening its position within the national logistics framework.
Furthermore, the projects are not merely about expanding road length but are fundamentally about building a sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure. The design and execution of these highways incorporate modern engineering practices aimed at reducing carbon footprints and ensuring long-term environmental viability. By improving road conditions and decongesting traffic, these projects will contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption and vehicular emissions. This aligns with the wider commitment to creating zero-net-carbon cities and promotes a more sustainable model of growth. The projects also include measures to enhance road safety, a critical aspect of creating equitable and secure public spaces for all road users, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status.
The investment is also set to create a multiplier effect on the state’s economy. The new and upgraded highways will improve access to economic hubs like Sri City, Krishnapatnam Port, and Tirupati Airport, thereby attracting further investment and generating employment opportunities. Improved connectivity to religious and tourist destinations like Tirupati, Srisailam, and Horsley Hills will also give a significant boost to the tourism sector, a vital component of the state’s economy. The government’s proactive stance in addressing infrastructure deficits underscores a strategic approach to development that is both inclusive and forward-looking, with the potential to uplift the lives of millions and set a precedent for sustainable infrastructure development across the nation.
