Road connectivity to Maoist-hit areas by 2020: CS Dinesh Kumar

Vijayawada: Chief secretary Dinesh Kumar directed the officials to give utmost priority for technology in laying of roads and construction of bridges in the Maoist influenced areas in the state.

He reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects in the Maoist influenced areas with the higher officials at his office at Velagapudi on Thursday. He instructed the officials to complete all roads and bridge works in Maoist-influenced areas by 2020.

Home department advisor Durga Prasad explained the details of ongoing works through power point presentation. Durga Prasad said that the Centre gave its nod for 119 roads and construction of nine bridges in Maoist-prone areas.

Over seven road works have been initiated and 64 road works are at the stage of calling tenders, he said and added proposals for another 48-road works were pending with the R&B department for permission.

He also explained the progress of bridge works taken up at Sileru, in Visakhapatnam Agency. Reacting to the officials, the Chief Secretary said that the bridge at Sileru should be completed by November and suggested the officials to utilise technology in the construction of bridges and road works for speedy completion.

The officials were also asked not to neglect road works including tenders process and beginning of works. Special chief secretary Manmohan Singh, intelligence chief AB Venkateswara Rao, Panchayat Raj and officials of various departments were present.