CM Naidu pushes affordable public transport, calls for more EV buses in AP
Currently, the operational cost of EV buses is about Rs 72 per km. He directed officials to study various models to reduce costs further.
By Newsmeter Network
CM Naidu orders better highway connectivity to AP ports for increased economic activity
Amaravati: The public transport should be affordable, efficient and increasing usage of electric buses is a key factor to achieve this goal, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that clean fuel usage reduces operational costs and benefits the public.
AP reduced costs by switching to solar power
Addressing a review meeting on Roads and highways at the secretariat on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that through efficient solar power management, the state has already reduced electricity procurement costs by approximately Rs 1 per unit. He called for further focus on fuel cost optimisation to deliver better services at lower costs.
Currently, the operational cost of EV buses is about Rs 72 per km. He directed officials to study various models to reduce costs further.
‘All buses should upgrade to electric’
Key areas of focus include expanding charging infrastructure and standardising battery systems. He also suggested that all categories of buses should gradually switch over to AC electric buses.
In addition, e-cycles should be promoted as a mass transport option by creating greater public awareness, the CM said.
National and state highways
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the construction of national and state highways is undertaken to boost economic activity across the state. He emphasised that highways should be developed to effectively connect ports within the state as well as link Andhra Pradesh with other parts of the country.
The Chief Minister stated that road maintenance must be robust and continuous.
Out of the total 45,433 km of roads in the state, around 10,238 km require annual maintenance. He stressed that potholes should be repaired immediately to avoid inconvenience to the public. Officials were instructed to study national and international best practices in road maintenance and ensure adequate funding for Roads & Buildings (R&B) works.
‘Use hybrid models for building roads’
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of considering geographical and climatic conditions in road construction and maintenance. In regions with black cotton soil, particularly in the Godavari districts, he suggested adopting hybrid models such as BT or white-topping roads.
For the 570 km of canal-side roads that are frequently damaged, innovative construction materials should be explored in collaboration with universities.
Godavari Pushkarams
Keeping in view the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, the Chief Minister directed that road repairs be undertaken in Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts.
In the Godavari region alone, 531 km of roads will be developed for Rs 400 crore using SASCI funds. He also instructed officials to write to the Central Government seeking special funds for Pushkarams on the lines of the Kumbh Mela.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for connecting all national highways to all major ports, as ports are key centres of economic activity. Drawing parallels with Gujarat’s port connectivity model, he said, Andhra Pradesh holds strategic importance on the eastern coast.
Development of East-West corridors
He called for the development of East-West corridors to reduce logistics costs significantly.
With nearly 73 per cent of cargo currently transported by road, reducing road logistics costs is essential. He emphasised connecting ports such as Mulapeta, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Krishnapatnam with highway networks, including alternate routes linking neighbouring states.
The Chief Minister noted that improved road connectivity would accelerate economic development along highway corridors and support Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a hub for industrial and horticultural production. He also highlighted the need for ring roads around major cities to expand economic activity.
1,335 km of national highways to be completed in two years
He mentioned key upcoming highway projects such as the Kharagpur–Amaravati Greenfield Highway, Hyderabad–Srisailam–Dornala Highway and Kalwakurthy–Nandyal Highway.
Around 1,335 km of national highways are expected to be completed within two years, with projects worth Rs 24,502 crore targeted for completion this year. He also suggested studying outer corridor models for cities like Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Tirupati, Kurnool and Nellore.
