Quality roads, engine of Telangana, says R&B Minister

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Asserting that quality road infrastructure is central to economic progress, Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Monday said that improved connectivity would significantly boost investments and generate employment across Telangana.

During a discussion in the Legislative Assembly, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy underlined that roads are not merely transit routes but critical drivers of development. He noted that better road networks enhance market access, support industrial expansion, and contribute to overall economic growth.

Highlighting the impact on rural areas, the Minister said improved roads enable farmers to reach markets faster, help students access educational institutions with ease, and ensure that patients can be transported to hospitals within the “golden hour.”

He said such infrastructure also opens up new livelihood opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Expressing concern over rising road accidents, the Minister cited official data indicating that nearly 4.5 lakh accidents and 1.6 lakh fatalities were recorded across the country in 2025. In Telangana, 22,441 accidents led to 6,221 deaths. He pointed out that an average of 18 to 20 deaths occur every day, many involving young people, and termed the trend alarming.

Referring to a recent accident near Chevella–Mirzaguda that claimed three lives from a single family, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy stressed the need for stronger safety measures. The government is implementing initiatives like the “Arrive Alive” programme to improve road safety and reduce fatalities.

Detailing progress in the sector, he said Telangana currently has a road network of 34,062 km. Since the present government took office, works covering 1,835 km have been taken up at a cost of Rs 7,590 crore, while 76 major bridges are under construction. Projects worth Rs 13,051 crore are in various stages of execution, the Minister said.

Over the past 27 months, 595 km of roads and 51 bridges have been completed at a cost of Rs 1,035 crore, in addition to 323 km of roads and 16 bridges completed with an expenditure of Rs 485 crore, he said.

The Minister said the government is adopting the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to accelerate infrastructure development, with a target of developing 12,000 km of roads. Phase I alone covers 6,092 km at an estimated cost of Rs 13,006 crore, with a construction period of 30 months and maintenance for 15 years, he said.

Among major projects, the Minister listed the Hyderabad Regional Ring Road (RRR), Hyderabad–Vijayawada six-lane expansion, Amaravati–Bandar port greenfield expressway, and the Srisailam elevated corridor. He said these projects would act as “game changers” for the state’s economy.