Naidu Launches ₹11,359-Cr Urban Projects, Pushes For ‘Weekend Economy’ Boom
CM N. Chandrababu Naidu virtually launched ₹11,359-crore urban projects across 123 municipalities and corporations, urging officials to boost the weekend economy.
Underscoring the critical role of cities as engines of economic growth, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday virtually launched massive urban development projects worth ₹11,359 crore across 123 municipalities and municipal corporations from Kuppam.
Highlighting changing consumer behaviour, the Chief Minister pointed out that the "weekend economy" is booming across urban centres, citing trends that show urban residents spend 61 per cent of their income over weekends and 71 per cent on transportation. Calling on elected representatives and administrators to study these patterns closely, he directed them to devise proactive strategies to harness and stimulate weekend economic activities.
Naidu urged the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department to reorient its focus and function effectively as an "Urban Prosperity Department," balancing economic dynamism with urban liveability, sustainability, and citizen wellbeing. He noted that interventions like TIDCO housing and the Stree Shakti initiative are aimed directly at easing heavy household expenditure on shelter and daily commutes.
Setting hard targets, the Chief Minister announced that pending TIDCO housing units across the state will be fully completed by 2027. He also instructed officials to expedite the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure 24x7 treated drinking water supply across all urban local bodies (ULBs).
Highlighting environmental sustainability under the Swachh Andhra–Swarna Andhra mission, Naidu noted that 143 lakh tonnes of legacy waste had been processed. In addition to two operational Waste-to-Energy plants, four more are nearing completion to ensure zero untreated sewage and 100 per cent scientific solid-waste management.
The ₹11,359-crore package forms part of a broader ₹50,000-crore urban modernisation blueprint. Currently, projects worth ₹22,330 crore are underway, with another ₹17,000 crore worth of works slated for roll-out within the next six months. Notably, these municipal works are being executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to insulate local bodies from upfront fiscal stress.
