Andhra Pradesh launches ₹120 Cr road project for 100 pilgrimage centres

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a ₹120 crore project to enhance road connectivity to over 100 prominent pilgrimage centres across the state. The initiative, covering a total length of 205 km, is being implemented by the Panchayat Raj Department to provide better access to temples located in remote and rural areas.

Directed by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan following public representations regarding poor infrastructure, the project includes the ‘Gudi Bata’ (Temple Access Road) programme. The government is also utilizing funds from schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to improve access to schools, hospitals, and agricultural fields. Additionally, ₹30 crore has been earmarked for road projects connecting Puttaparthi as part of the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Currently, 26 roads have been completed, and approximately 40 per cent of the remaining works are past the halfway stage.