Andhra releases Rs.167 crore to repair damaged roads

Andhra releases Rs.167 crore to repair damaged roadsHyderabad, Oct 8 : The Andhra Pradesh government has released Rs. 167 crore for repairs and restoration of roads damaged by the devastating floods that hit the state, a senior official said Thursday.

Minister for Roads and Buildings G. Aruna Kumari told reporters that state highways in 13 districts were damaged by heavy rains and floods. The loss is estimated to be at Rs. 109 crore.

The government has also released Rs. 10 crore for urgent repairs of national highways in the flood-hit areas. She said 234 km of national highways were badly damaged.

In Kurnool, which bore the brunt of the worst floods in 100 years, 1,344 km of roads were damaged.

Officials said Hyderabad-Srisailam state highway will be restored in 24 hours.

The Hyderabad-Bangalore national highway 7, which was badly damaged by the floods in Mahbubnagar and Kurnool districts, was repaired and reopened to traffic Wednesday.

Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway 9, which had come under six to 10 feet water at several places in Krishna district, has also been restored and reopened.

Initial estimates by the authorities have put the total loss due to floods at Rs. 12,225 crore. The damages to public infrastructure alone are estimated at Rs. 10,000 crore. (IANS)