AP to Upgrade 431 Km of Roads With ₹300 Crore Ahead of Godavari Pushkarams

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified preparations for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, approving ₹300 crore for road repairs, restoration and infrastructure development across the Godavari region. The funding is aimed at ensuring safer and smoother travel for the millions of devotees expected to converge on the riverbanks during the religious event.

The decision comes as the government begins strengthening transport infrastructure well in advance of the Pushkarams. According to Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister BC Janardhan Reddy, the Finance Department has given immediate approval for the funds following directions from Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

The road improvement programme will cover six districts — East Godavari, West Godavari, Kakinada, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, Polavaram and Eluru. In total, 78 roads covering around 431 kilometres will undergo repairs, upgrades or development works as part of the preparations.

A significant portion of the allocation has been earmarked for State Highways. The government has sanctioned ₹185.75 crore for 41 State Highways, with works extending across approximately 275 kilometres. Another ₹114.25 crore has been allocated for the development of 37 major district roads, covering nearly 155 kilometres.

The scale of the preparations reflects the expected movement of pilgrims from across the country. With large crowds likely to travel towards the Godavari riverbanks, authorities are focusing on improving road conditions and strengthening key routes to prevent traffic bottlenecks and minimise inconvenience to visitors.

The road works are also expected to improve connectivity between major towns, pilgrimage centres and other important locations in the Godavari belt. By completing critical infrastructure upgrades before the religious gathering, the government aims to ensure that transportation remains efficient even during periods of heavy pilgrim movement.

Minister BC Janardhan Reddy said the coalition government was committed to providing devotees with the best possible transport facilities during the Pushkarams. He stressed that road development was being treated as a key component of the government's preparations.

The ₹300-crore package is therefore not only part of the state's preparations for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, but is also expected to strengthen road connectivity in the region and benefit local communities in the longer term.