New road projects: AP government seeks Rs 6400 crore from New Development Bank

During the review meeting held at the camp office here on Monday, the Chief Minister said the previous government has neglected the maintenance of roads. He said the state government has laid special focus on repairing the damaged roads and also set up a special fund in this regard.

He said TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and a section of media are spreading false. He instructed the officials to complete the work on pending approach roads at the earliest. The officials informed the Chief Minister that plans are being prepared for the construction of new roads with the financial assistance of Rs 6,400 crore from the New Development Bank.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the works related to Vijayawada- Bangalore National Highway via Kodikonda checkpost are on fast-track and focus is also laid on Sheelanagar- Sabbavaram National Highway in Vishakapatnam.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that all arrangements have been finalized to construct flyovers at important junctions from Anakapalli to Anandapuram via Vishakapatnam city.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to focus on these roads and coordinate with NHAI authorities for the completion of the works. He said to move forward with land acquisition works related to Nadikudi- Srikalahasti, Kadapa- Bangalore, Kotipalli- Narsapur, and Rayadurg- Tumkur railway projects.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of works at Ramayapatnam, Bhavanapadu and Machilipatnam ports. The officials informed the Chief Minister that the construction works of Ramayapatnam port will be completed within 24 months and 25 million tons of cargo will be transported in the first phase.

An estimated amount of Rs 2,647 crore will be spent on construction works in the first phase. The Chief Minister directed the officials to ensure pollution is regulated near ports. The officials informed the Chief Minister that the tender process for the construction of Bhavanapadu port will be completed by end of October. They said one million tonnes of cargo will be transported and an amount of Rs 2,956 crore will be spent in the first phase. They said the tender process for Machilipatnam port will be completed by September 14 and thirty-five million tons of cargo will be transported in phase 1 and an amount of Rs 3,650 crore will be spent in the first phase.

The Chief Minister said there are huge opportunities for Kakinada SEZ gateway port due to the availability of land bank and suggested connecting the port through roads and railway lines. He also suggested developing free trade warehousing zones in Port areas.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the construction of four fishing harbors in the first phase at Uppada, Machilipatnam, Nijampatnam, and Juvvaladinne will be completed by May or June 2022. Reviewing the construction of Bhogapuram airport, the Chief Minister directed the officials to focus on solving pending cases and take measures to begin the construction works. He instructed the officials to focus on pending issues regarding development works in other airports. The air connectivity facility from Kurnool and Kadapa to Vishakapatnam should be increased, he said. Jagan noted international connectivity from Vishakapatnam and Tirupati airports for development.