State plans tech-driven road monitoring using drones and LiDAR

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department at the state secretariat and directed officials to prioritise road quality and accountability across all levels.

During the meeting, he said the government will soon operationalize the AP Link Corporation to take up large-scale infrastructure projects. The Chief Minister asked officials to prepare detailed plans in advance. Strengthening the Andhra Pradesh Logistics and Infrastructure Corporation (AP Link) financially should be treated as a key objective, he added.

Chandrababu emphasised that making Andhra Pradesh’s road network completely pothole-free is one of the government’s highest priorities. “We must explore how to effectively utilize revenue streams within the R&B department to strengthen the Logistics Corporation. Greater investment in the logistics sector will help us develop road networks and other infrastructure of global standards,” he said.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure strict compliance with quality norms in road construction, maintenance, and pothole repair. “No road in the state should have potholes. If any contractor compromises on quality or violates norms, they must be identified and blacklisted. Engineers should also work with full responsibility,” he said.

Chandrababu reviewed progress on works approved in March, noting that only 10-15% had been completed so far. Recently sanctioned works must begin from next month, he said, and all approved projects should be completed within the next year.

He directed the department to monitor road conditions regularly using technology such as drones, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys, and - if required - even satellite assessments. These tools should help track both road quality and on-ground work execution, he said.

He also ordered speedy reconstruction of roads and bridges damaged during Cyclone Montha, noting that some repairs were already completed. Pending works must also be taken up immediately, he added.

The Chief Minister asked officials to prepare a priority list of roads to be taken up under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. They were also directed to identify roads eligible for viability-gap funding as per guidelines. Pilot projects for white-topping roads should also be launched soon, he said.

Chandrababu stressed that national highway works must also be closely monitored. The state should maintain continuous coordination with the Centre, especially on issues related to land acquisition. “There should be absolutely no delay. People’s representatives must remember - State First, Development First,” he said.

The review meeting was attended by Minister BC Janardhan Reddy and senior officials from the R&B and Finance departments.