The Neglect of Major Infrastructure Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Every government should prioritize development and infrastructure to benefit its citizens. Essential projects initiated by a previous administration should be completed by the succeeding one for the overall progress of the state. However, this principle seems to have been ignored in Andhra Pradesh, especially with significant infrastructure projects like the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway and the Outer Ring Road (ORR) around Amaravati.
Neglect of the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway and ORR
Under the leadership of Jagan Mohan Reddy, the state has seen a significant shift in focus, leading to the neglect of key projects. Instead of continuing with the proposed Outer Ring Road around Amaravati, the current administration proposed a mere 40 km Eastern Bypass Road for Vijayawada, which has not seen any progress. Similarly, the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway was sidelined in favor of a new route passing through Pulivendula, Jagan’s constituency.
Impact of Political Decisions on Development
The previous administration, under Chandrababu Naidu, had planned substantial infrastructure projects to boost development around Amaravati. These included an 185 km Outer Ring Road with an estimated cost of ₹18,000 crores and a 393 km Expressway from Anantapur to Amaravati costing ₹20,000 crores. These projects were approved by the central government but were halted when Jagan became Chief Minister.
Importance of the Outer Ring Road (ORR)
Outer Ring Roads (ORRs) play a crucial role in the rapid development of urban areas. The ORR around Hyderabad is a prime example of how such infrastructure can benefit a city. Many major cities in India have ORRs, and those that don’t are in the process of building them. The proposed ORR around Amaravati, spanning 185 km, was intended to facilitate the growth of Amaravati, Vijayawada, and Guntur.
The Planned ORR Project
The ORR was designed to pass through 49 villages in the erstwhile Krishna district and 38 villages in the erstwhile Guntur district, covering a total of 185 km. The project involved acquiring 5,225 hectares of land and included the construction of a six-lane access-controlled expressway with service roads on both sides. Three tunnels were also planned as part of the project.
Reviving the ORR and Expressway Projects
Given the significant delay and the change in focus by the current administration, it is crucial for Chandrababu Naidu, if he assumes power again, to immediately revive these projects. Quick action is needed to complete the ORR and the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway within two to three years.
Alternative Expressway Route
Instead of the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway, the Jagan administration approved a 344 km Greenfield Expressway from Koduru to Muppavaram via Pulivendula, named the Bangalore-Vijayawada Expressway. However, this new route increases the travel distance and only 344 km of the total 565 km route is newly constructed, making it a less efficient alternative.
Immediate Action Required for Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway
The original Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway must be revived urgently. Recognized as a National Highway by the central government, this project requires swift preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and subsequent tendering and land acquisition processes. The rising land prices around Amaravati further emphasize the need for prompt action to secure the required land in Guntur district.
Jagan’s Approach to Infrastructure Projects
Since coming to power in 2019, Jagan’s government has largely sidelined the ORR project. Despite repeated reminders from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) about the project’s significance and the need for land acquisition, the state government has shown little interest. Instead, the administration pushed for a less extensive 40 km four-lane Eastern Bypass for Vijayawada, which has not progressed beyond the DPR stage.
Significance of the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway
The Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway was designed to provide a rapid connection between Amaravati and various regions, including Bangalore and the Rayalaseema districts. This 393.61 km expressway, with additional connecting roads totaling 557.34 km, was approved as National Highway 544F. The project required 5,462.45 hectares of land, and preliminary preparations, including peg marking, had been completed before the project was halted.
Conclusion
The neglect of critical infrastructure projects like the Anantapur-Amaravati Expressway and the Outer Ring Road around Amaravati highlights the adverse impact of political decisions on development. It is imperative for future administrations to prioritize and complete these projects to ensure the overall growth and progress of Andhra Pradesh.