Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi they are committed to build world class infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. He said improved road connectivity in the coastal area will boost tourism, create employment opportunities for urban and rural youth and play a pivotal role in bringing prosperity to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
He inaugurated and laid Foundation Stone of 51 National Highway Projects of total length 1380 Km with an investment of Rs. 21,559 Crore in Vijaywada, on Thursday.
The Minister said the construction of ROBs under Setu Bharatam will facilitate hassle free movement of traffic, ensure the safety of commuters, save time & fuel and will also reduce pollution. He said the National Highways are the arteries of socio-economic development of the state.
Gadkari said the 4-lane road to Visakhapatnam and Kakinada ports of Andhra Pradesh will play a crucial role in improving logistics. The construction of Benz Circle flyover will help decongest the city of Vijayawada, he added.
He described AP as one of the progressive States that has to play a key role in the economic development of India. Out of the 22 green expressways taken up by the Ministry of Road Transport, six are in AP, which will provide a vital link to national expressway infrastructure.
The six expressways include Raipur – Visakhapatnam (465 km costing Rs 16,102 crore), Nagpur – Vijayawada (405 km costing Rs 15,000 crore), Hyderabad – Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru – Chennai passing through Chittoor district. Transport infrastructure is vital for the rapid growth of industrial and agricultural sectors, he said.
Gadkari advised the AP government to focus on increasing exports and reducing imports, which will ensure creation of more employment. At the same time, he said ports and waterways, besides roadways, are the most critical components for economic development. The Centre, which firmly believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, will support AP in every aspect, he assured.
Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy praised Gadkari, who under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is playing a visionary role in improving national highways in the country. “He has put the nation on the fast track through FASTag,” he said.
Under Gadkari’s leadership, the pace of national highway construction has increased from 12 km a day in 2014 to 37 km now. “Thanks to Gadkari, national highways in AP increased from 4,193 km in 2014 to 8,163 km, registering 95% growth,” he said. Gadkari sanctioned 30 ROBs, 10 more sought by Jagan, for AP
