Naidu stresses on cut in logistics cost via East-West corridors

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the development of East-West corridors to reduce logistics costs significantly. He stressed the need for connecting all national highways to all major ports, as ports are key centers of economic activity. Drawing parallels with Gujarat’s port connectivity model, he said Andhra Pradesh holds strategic importance on the eastern coast.

Addressing a review meeting on roads and highways at Secretariat on Wednesday, he said through efficient solar power management, the State has already reduced electricity procurement costs by approximately Rs1 per unit and called for further focus on fuel cost optimisation to deliver better services at lower costs.

With nearly 73 per cent of cargo currently transported by road, reducing road logistics costs is essential. He emphasised connecting ports such as Mulapeta, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Krishnapatnam with highway networks, including alternate routes linking neighboring States.

He mentioned key upcoming highway projects such as the Kharagpur–Amaravati Greenfield Highway, Hyderabad–Srisailam–Dornala Highway and Kalwakurthy–Nandyal Highway. Around 1,335 km of national highways are expected to be completed within two years, with projects worth Rs24,502 crore targeted for completion this year. He also suggested studying outer corridor models for cities like Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Tirupati, Kurnool and Nellore.

Currently, the operational cost of EV buses is about Rs72 per km. He directed officials to study various models to reduce costs further. Key areas of focus include expanding charging infrastructure and standardising battery systems. He also suggested that all categories of buses should gradually switch over to AC electric buses.

The public transport should be affordable, efficient and increasing usage of electric buses is a key factor to achieve this goal, he observed. He noted that clean fuel usage reduces operational costs and benefits the public.

In addition e-cycles should be promoted as a mass transport option by creating greater public awareness. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the construction of national and state highways to boost economic activity across the state. He emphasised that highways should be developed to effectively connect ports within the state as well as link Andhra Pradesh with other parts of the country.

Naidu stated that road maintenance must be robust and continuous. Out of the total 45,433 km of roads in the state, around 10,238 km require annual maintenance. He stressed that potholes should be repaired immediately to avoid inconvenience to the public.

Officials were instructed to study national and international best practices in road maintenance and ensure adequate funding for Roads & Buildings (R&B) works.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of considering geographical and climatic conditions in road construction and maintenance.

In regions with black cotton soil, particularly in the Godavari districts, he suggested adopting hybrid models such as BT or white-topping roads. For the 570 km of canal-side roads that are frequently damaged, innovative construction materials should be explored in collaboration with universities.

Keeping in view the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, the Chief Minister directed that road repairs be undertaken in Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts. In Godavari region alone, 531 km of roads will be developed at a cost of Rs400 crore using SASCI funds. Ministers BC Janardhan Reddy, Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, Transport Department Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu, APSRTC MD Bala Subrahmanyam and officials from National Highways Authority participated.