Facing a severe financial crisis in funding developmental projects, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed an innovative approach on Tuesday to address the construction and maintenance of rural roads.
Speaking in the state assembly, Naidu highlighted the poor condition of rural roads and shared his plan to tackle the issue with a novel solution.
“I want to improve rural road infrastructure to the level of national highways. I am considering outsourcing road maintenance to private agencies. A pilot project for this model will be launched in East and West Godavari districts. Based on public feedback from the pilot project, the system could be implemented statewide,” Naidu explained.
Under the proposed policy, the construction and maintenance of rural roads will be entrusted to private outsourcing agencies. To fund this model, the government may permit these agencies to collect toll fees on newly constructed roads.
However, Naidu clarified, “Toll charges will not apply to all vehicles. Trucks, lorries, and cars will be subject to tolls, but autos, bikes, and tractors will be exempt. Additionally, tolls will not be collected for travel within villages or up to mandal headquarters, but only for routes extending beyond mandal centers.”
The Chief Minister described the initiative as a preliminary step, contingent on the success of the pilot project and public acceptance.
“If people support this initiative, we will implement it across the state,” he said.
Naidu emphasized the critical need for quality roads in rural areas, citing the hardships faced by residents due to poor infrastructure. He noted that improved roads could transform rural communities and drive overall development.
Reiterating his commitment to public consensus, Naidu assured that the model would not proceed without community approval.
He also urged MLAs to engage with the public to build support for the outsourcing method, ensuring a transparent and inclusive decision-making process.
