Land acquisition and infrastructure development are critical for the successful implementation of the Regional Ring Road (RRR) in Telangana. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has laid out a detailed and strategic plan to fast-track this process, ensuring maximum benefits for farmers, seamless coordination among departments, and the timely completion of crucial road projects.
Ensuring Better Compensation for Farmers
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of fair compensation for farmers whose lands are acquired for RRR projects. He directed district collectors, acting as arbitrators, to adopt a generous approach to provide maximum compensation. This proactive measure aims to build trust and cooperation among the farming community, expediting land acquisition efforts.
Additionally, local public representatives are to be involved in the process, fostering transparency and addressing concerns directly with stakeholders. Regular engagement with farmers will also help them understand the economic and infrastructural benefits these developments will bring.
Building Underpasses for Farmer Accessibility
One major concern raised during the review meeting was the lack of underpasses on national highways, which causes inconvenience for farmers. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted this issue, prompting the Chief Minister to instruct officials to prioritize constructing underpasses. These structures will ensure easy access to farmlands and prevent unnecessary detours for agricultural activities.
Seamless Coordination Among Departments
Effective collaboration between the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and the Forest Department is essential to remove bottlenecks in the implementation process. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized resolving state-level issues locally while escalating central forest and environmental concerns promptly. Ministers were tasked with engaging central officials in Delhi, if necessary, to secure required permissions.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Dobriyal was urged to accelerate the clearance process, ensuring that development projects are not delayed due to administrative hurdles.
Timely Completion of HAM Model Roads
The Chief Minister outlined ambitious plans to construct 12,000 kilometers of R&B roads and 17,700 kilometers of Panchayat Raj roads under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Key directives included:
- Treating old districts as administrative units for streamlined implementation.
- Ensuring uniform quality standards across all projects.
- Engaging consultants to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
- Completing road construction within three years.
Flood-damaged roads and collapsed bridges were also identified as priority areas for immediate repair and reconstruction.
Strategic Focus on Connectivity
Southern Section of RRR
The southern section of the RRR, approved by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), requires alignment coordination with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). This alignment will integrate with Hyderabad’s 11 entry points, ensuring smooth traffic flow without obstructions.
Radial Roads and Industrial Zones
Radial roads connecting industrial zones, the Outer Ring Road (ORR), and the RRR are critical to boosting economic growth. The Chief Minister emphasized using available government land effectively to enhance connectivity.
Addressing Key National Highway Projects
Several national highway projects were highlighted during the meeting, including:
- Nagpur-Vijayawada Road (NH-163G): Passing through key districts like Mancherial, Peddapalli, Warangal, and Khammam, this project aims to improve regional connectivity.
- Armur-Jagtial-Mancherial (NH-63) and Jagtial-Karimnagar (NH-563): These roads are vital for connectivity in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas.
The Chief Minister called for immediate removal of hurdles related to land acquisition and forest clearances to ensure these projects progress without delay.
Efficient Resource Allocation and Funding
To ensure the success of these projects, the Chief Minister directed the immediate release of the state government’s share of funds. Matching grants from the central government are to be secured promptly. This financial strategy aims to prevent interruptions and maintain steady progress in road construction and repairs.
Collaboration and Accountability
The review meeting, attended by key officials and ministers, reinforced a collaborative approach to addressing challenges. Participants included Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TS Road Development Corporation Chairman Malreddy Ramreddy, and Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari, among others. Their collective efforts aim to streamline processes, resolve conflicts, and ensure the timely delivery of projects.
Conclusion: A Vision for Seamless Infrastructure
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s comprehensive strategy for accelerating land acquisition and road development underlines his commitment to infrastructure growth and public welfare. By addressing farmer concerns, fostering departmental coordination, and adhering to strict timelines, the RRR project is poised to become a model of efficient and inclusive development.
