Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called upon public representatives and officials to take measures to strengthen economic activity in urban areas, particularly during weekends, while making cities engines of economic growth.
From Kuppam, the Chief Minister virtually launched urban development works worth ₹11,359 crore across Andhra Pradesh. The projects will be implemented in 123 municipalities and municipal corporations across the State and are aimed at improving urban infrastructure and quality of life.
Cities Must Become Engines of Economic Growth
Speaking at the programme, Chandrababu Naidu said the launch of development works on such a large scale marked an important milestone in the State’s municipal history.
He directed officials to focus on making cities more liveable while creating pleasant, healthy and sustainable urban environments.
The Chief Minister said the weekend economy is growing rapidly in urban areas, with people reportedly spending 61 per cent of their income during weekends and 71 per cent on transportation. He asked officials and public representatives to study these trends in greater detail and take measures to encourage economic activity during weekends.
He said urban residents spend a significant portion of their income on housing and transportation. Initiatives such as TIDCO housing and Stree Shakti were being undertaken to reduce the financial burden on citizens.
Naidu directed the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department to function as an “Urban Prosperity Department”, with a focus on improving quality of life and creating greater economic opportunities in cities.
TIDCO Houses to Be Completed by 2027
The Chief Minister announced that construction of TIDCO houses across Andhra Pradesh would be completed by 2027.
He said house-site pattas had already been distributed to 28,500 families in Visakhapatnam, and more pattas would be issued in areas where there were no objections.
Naidu also directed officials to complete the Jal Jeevan Mission with the objective of providing safe drinking water to urban residents round the clock.
He said building permissions were being issued faster and several reforms had been introduced in urban development. Through the Swachh Andhra–Swarna Andhra programmes, the government was working to improve cleanliness and hygiene in urban areas.
According to the Chief Minister, the State had removed 143 lakh tonnes of waste, while two Waste-to-Energy plants were already operational. Another four Waste-to-Energy plants would be completed shortly.
He directed officials to scientifically manage solid waste through recycling and ensure that municipalities remain free of garbage and untreated sewage.
₹50,000 Crore Urban Development Pipeline
Chandrababu Naidu said proposals had been prepared for urban development works worth around ₹50,000 crore, including the projects launched on Tuesday.
He said works worth ₹22,330 crore were already in progress, while projects worth another ₹17,000 crore were proposed to be launched over the next six months.
For the first time, urban development works were being taken up under the Hybrid Annuity Model, which, according to the Chief Minister, would enable projects to be implemented without imposing a financial burden on Urban Local Bodies.
Of the ₹11,359 crore worth of works launched, ₹7,469 crore will be taken up in 123 municipalities and ₹3,890 crore in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.
The projects include:
- ₹4,656 crore for roads
- ₹88 crore for central medians
- ₹247 crore for street lighting
- ₹509 crore for parks
The overall programme covers approximately 2,165 km of roads, 502 parks, 210 km of central medians, 391 km of street lighting and 300 km of sewerage works.
