The state govt has decided to adopt public private partnership (PPP) model for the development of state highways, with plans to develop 10,200 km of roads through PPP model. In a review meeting with officials of roads and buildings (R&B) department, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu gave the go-ahead to the proposal. This is the first time that state highways would be developed under PPP model in Andhra Pradesh.
In the first phase, 18 roads covering 1,307 kilometres will be constructed. The chief minister has directed officials to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) and start works as soon as possible. Observing that people have accepted the PPP model for national highways , he said a similar response can be expected for state highways if good roads are provided.
However, Naidu cautioned officials to be careful while deciding tolls on these roads. He asked to exempt two-wheelers, autos, tractors, and other vehicles used for agriculture. Tolls are likely to be charged only for heavy commercial and transport vehicles. He stated that govt will provide viability gap funding if required, without burdening common people. Good roads and road safety for public are the govt’s primary goals, he said.
The chief minister also reviewed the pothole-free roads programme taken up with a cost outlay of 861 crore. Naidu asked officials to complete all works by Sankranti. He told them to ensure quality while speeding up the works and blacklist contractors who fail to comply with the quality norms.
Out of the total 45,378 km-long R&B road network, repairs are required for 22,299 km of roads, officials said, adding that so far potholes have been filled on 1,991 km of roads, while 1,447 km of roads are beyond repair and need to be completely rebuilt, which will cost around 581 crore.