Telangana Receives ₹176.5 Crore for Road Transport Milestones Under SASCI Scheme
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved ₹176.5 crore in funding for Telangana under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. This substantial grant will be used to support key milestones in road transport development and foster the state’s long-term growth in connectivity.
The approval comes as Telangana has successfully met crucial milestones under both Initiative A and Initiative B of the SASCI scheme. The state’s government has managed to fulfil Milestone 1 and Milestone 2 under Initiative A, along with Milestone 1 under Initiative B, qualifying for the full funding under both categories. This achievement highlights the state’s commitment to improving its road transport infrastructure and the concerted efforts made by the authorities to ensure that development goals are met on time. Under Initiative A, Telangana has been allocated ₹125 crore, which is divided into two specific areas of achievement. The state received ₹50 crore for its efforts to notify and implement motor vehicle tax concessions, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and affordability of the transportation sector. In addition, ₹75 crore was granted to Telangana for the successful submission of a comprehensive vehicle scrappage plan targeting government vehicles that are more than 15 years old. This measure is seen as a proactive approach towards reducing pollution and ensuring the safety of government-run transportation services.
Initiative B saw Telangana receiving ₹51.5 crore for its work on Automated Testing Stations (ATS). With the goal of improving the monitoring and regulation of vehicles, the state will deploy ATSs across 37 districts, including 21 in priority areas. This initiative will not only ensure better enforcement of vehicle regulations but will also contribute to enhanced road safety and environmental standards. In addition to these developments, Telangana’s Roads and Buildings Minister, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, has directed officials to fast-track road construction projects under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The focus is now on improving missing link roads, which are essential for better connectivity between district headquarters and the state capital, Hyderabad. These missing links are crucial for fostering economic activities and improving accessibility for people living in remote areas.
Reddy also emphasised the need for upgrading existing road infrastructure, with a specific focus on roads that are in poor condition. The minister’s directions are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that Telangana’s roads can handle the growing transportation needs of its residents, businesses, and industries. To ensure that the upgrades are completed in a timely and efficient manner, officials have been tasked with identifying and selecting consultants who will prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for these critical infrastructure projects. The approval of ₹176.5 crore under the SASCI scheme provides Telangana with a much-needed financial boost to enhance its road transport system, making travel safer, smoother, and more efficient for its residents. The funding also signals the state’s commitment to adopting modern technologies, such as automated vehicle testing stations, and improving vehicle safety standards. Telangana is making great strides in enhancing its infrastructure to meet the needs of an increasingly mobile population while driving its economic growth forward. As Telangana continues to improve its road transport sector, the integration of smarter, sustainable solutions into the infrastructure projects will likely serve as a model for other states aiming to enhance their connectivity and road safety standards.
