The Hindu Business Line : Highway expansion to drive industry in AP

Highway plans
AP now has 15 national highways, spanning 4,648 km.
State eligible for about 1,000 km of national highways as density below national average
Seeks upgradation of about 4,590 km of State roads into national highways.

Hyderabad April 6 The business community in Andhra Pradesh may look forward to new growth drivers as a fallout of the proposed expansion of the national highway network in the State and proposals to this effect have been sent to the Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.

As of now, the State is eligible for about 1,000 km of national highways as the density of the national highways in Andhra Pradesh is below the national average, Dr G.V.S. Suryanarayana Raju, Chief Engineer (R&B), National Highways told Business Line.

"The density of national highways per lakh of population in the State is 6.03, against the national average of 6.4 while per 1,000 sq km, it is at 16.56 km against 19.95 km of the all-India average," Mr Raju said. A brief look into the statistics show that the expansion of national highways in the State was slow. In 1997, the length of national highways was at 2,934 km. During the IX Plan (1997-2002), 1,154 km were added, followed by another 551 km in 2004 during the X Plan.

At present, there are 15 national highways in Andhra Pradesh spanning a length of 4,648 km. Out of this, the R&B department manages 2,814 km while the National Highway Authority of India has 1,834 km under its supervision.

"Keeping in view the needs of the business community and general public, we have sought upgradation of about 4,590 km of State roads into national highways. Even if one-fourth of the proposals are okayed, that would be a big thing,'' Dr Raju said.

Road proposals

Some important proposals which may be of interest to the business community include Hyderabad-Ramagundam-Mancherial-Chanda, the road connecting Krishnapatnam port to Hiriyur in Karnataka via Nellore, Rajampet and Penukonda, the road from Kakinada to Suryapet via Rajahmundry, Jangareddygudem and Khammam, Kalingapatnam port to Renugunta and Kodad to Jagityal.

All these roads pass though many industrial and business belts and would be of help to boost business, said Dr Raju.

Agrees Mr B. Rajendra Kumar, Head, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), AP State Council.

"Expansion of national highways in the State is a definite boost to the industry. While it may have a positive impact in general, specific sectors like infrastructure, coir industry and the mining may gain," Mr Kumar told Business Line.

"But all stake-holders should be involved in selection of these roads," he added.

More Stories on : Roadways | Economy | Andhra Pradesh

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