'9,000 Km Of Andhra Roads In Pathetic Condition': New Roads Minister Janardhan Reddy Pledges Urgent Repairs

Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister BC Janardhan Reddy disclosed that proposals amounting to Rs 284 crore for these repairs have already been submitted.

Additionally, Janardhan Reddy said that unpaid bills amounting to Rs 2,261 crore have discouraged contractors from undertaking new projects. ( Image Source :Facebook/BCJanardhanReddy )

Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister BC Janardhan Reddy on Wednesday revealed that over 9,000 km of roadways in the state are in a dire state and vowed to repair them promptly.

Speaking to reporters at the secretariat after assuming office, Reddy highlighted the severe condition of the state's road infrastructure. "My immediate goal is to repair all the affected roadways on a war footing and make them pothole-less," he asserted. He noted plans to repair 8,161 km of district roads and 3,340 km of state highways.

The minister disclosed that proposals amounting to Rs 284 crore for these repairs have already been submitted, as per a report on PTI.

Reviewing the past performance of the R&B Department, Reddy alleged that the YSRCP government allocated Rs 19,428 crore between 2019 and 2024 but only utilized 46 percent, or Rs 9,015 crore, of the budgeted funds. Additionally, unpaid bills amounting to Rs 2,261 crore have discouraged contractors from undertaking new projects.

Reddy provided a comprehensive overview of the state's road network, which includes 8,164 km of national highways, 12,653 km of state highways, 27,062 km of main district roadways, and 5,663 km of village roadways, totaling 53,542 km. Out of this, 45,378 km of roads are under the jurisdiction of the state government.

He criticized the previous administration for inadequate funding over the past five years, which has resulted in the need for special repairs on 22,007 km of roadways.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Advocates Effective Governance

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized his adherence to a simple and effective governance policy during his visit to Kuppam on Wednesday. Addressing officials, Naidu directed the formulation of a comprehensive action plan for the overall development of his home constituency.

"Chandrababu Naidu directed all the officers to be prepared for a virtual and physical working system," said an official press release.

On the second day of his two-day tour, Naidu identified drinking water scarcity as a significant issue in Kuppam. He instructed officials to expedite the completion of the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanti canal works to alleviate this problem.