70 Projects Costing Rs 33,540 Crore Underway In AP: Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari today said there were currently 70 projects, totalling 2,014 km and costing Rs 33,540 crore, underway in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing the Andhra Pradesh Global Investment Summit 2023 in Visakhapatnam, Gadkari said that over the past eight-and-a-half years (2014-23) of the Modi government, there had been a significant increase in the length of NHs (National Highways) in Andhra Pradesh, from 4,193 km to 8,744 km. "Just today, we are approving the six-lane Vizag Port Highway on NH 16 near Bhogapuram with a length of 55 km costing Rs 6,300 crore," he added.

The minister added that just during 2022-23, works for a length of 777 km of highways across 27 projects costing Rs 15,400 crore had been awarded to the State. Additionally, two Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) had been sanctioned in Visakhapatnam and Anantapur at a cost of Rs 1,797 crore, he said, adding that these MMLPs would serve as a key hub for centralizing freight cargo consolidation in the region.

Efforts were also being made to establish five Green Highways and two Expressways in the State at a further cost of Rs 32,430 crore, Gadkari added.

The minister said that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to promoting sustainable practices, the Centre was focusing on converting farmers to Urjadaatha while continuing to support them as Annadaatha.

"We also advocate for swadesi manufacturing, which prioritizes safety, recyclability and sustainability. Our goal is to create opportunities for green energy, and a green economy in the mobility sector," Gadkari added.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy; Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy; Minister for Industry, Infrastructure & Investment Gudivada Amarnath; and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.