Set Hard Deadlines for Infra Projects, Leverage RTC Assets: Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu
Naidu directed officials to prepare a long-term strategy to improve its financial position
AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday directed officials to fast-track major infrastructure projects across the state by fixing clear deadlines and ensuring strict adherence to timelines.
Reviewing the progress of the Investments and Infrastructure (I&I) Department and the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister said delays in crucial projects such as ports, airports, and fishing harbours would no longer be acceptable.
Naidu reviewed the status of major port projects, including Mulapeta, Ramayapatnam, and Machilipatnam, along with fishing harbour works at Juvaladinne, Nizampatnam, and Machilipatnam. He asked officials to adopt a mission-mode approach from approvals and technical clearances to tenders and execution.
Pointing out that the government had already announced completion schedules for irrigation projects, Naidu said the same discipline should be followed in the infrastructure sector. He said industrial projects were being pushed to start operations within 18 months and infrastructure development should move with similar urgency.
The Chief Minister asked departments to focus on removing hurdles, arranging funds, and ensuring that projects do not remain stuck for years.
During the review, Naidu also discussed the progress of proposed airports at Dagadarthi, Kuppam, and Srikakulam. Officials were instructed to speed up land acquisition, mobilise financial resources, and pursue pending approvals with the Centre.
The meeting also reviewed plans to expand electric mobility in public transport, including procurement of more electric buses for APSRTC.
Focusing on strengthening the transport corporation, Naidu directed officials to prepare a long-term strategy to improve its financial position. He suggested effective utilisation and commercial development of vacant RTC lands and assets to create additional revenue sources.
Infrastructure Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, and senior officials attended the review meeting.
