Andhra Pradesh is poised to launch the third phase of its comprehensive rural development programme, ‘Palle Panduga 3.0,’ with a significant investment of ₹11,085 crore. The initiative, set to commence on September 29, aims to bolster rural infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and promote agricultural and horticultural development across the state’s villages.
The programme’s launch is scheduled for September 29 from Ramapuram village in Varikuntapadu mandal of Udayagiri constituency in SPSR Nellore district. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan are slated to formally inaugurate the extensive works planned under this phase. Information was available with The Chenab Times that the ‘Palle Panduga’ initiative has seen two previous phases, which have established foundational infrastructure and contributed to rural transformation.
Phase three of ‘Palle Panduga’ encompasses a wide array of development activities. A substantial portion of the allocated funds, amounting to ₹7,550 crore, has been earmarked for the construction and upgrading of 9,500 kilometers of Black Topped (BT) roads. An additional ₹2,700 crore will be used to construct 6,000 kilometers of Concrete (CC) roads within village habitations, significantly improving intra-village connectivity.
Beyond road infrastructure, the programme will focus on other critical amenities. An outlay of ₹300 crore is allocated for the construction of 22,000 Mini-Gokulams (cattle sheds), supporting the dairy sector. Furthermore, ₹225 crore will be invested in developing horticulture plantations across 50,000 acres, aiming to diversify rural incomes and promote sustainable farming practices. The initiative also includes the construction of 1,000 kilometers of magic drains with an allocation of ₹110 crore for improved water management, along with ₹200 crore for building Gram Panchayat structures, bus shelters, and community spaces.
The funding for ‘Palle Panduga 3.0’ will be a convergence of central and state resources. The Central government is contributing ₹5,391 crore, while the State has allocated ₹5,694 crore. Additional funding is expected to be mobilised through schemes like VB-G RAM G, the Global Horticulture Hub, and contributions from NABARD and SASCI.
Previous phases of the ‘Palle Panduga’ programme have reported significant achievements. ‘Palle Panduga 1.0’ saw the construction of 4,000 kilometers of CC roads, 22,514 cattle sheds, and 21,000 farm ponds, alongside horticulture crop expansion over 64,000 acres. ‘Palle Panduga 2.0’ continued this momentum with 2,500 kilometers of CC roads, 8,300 kilometers of BT roads, 15,750 cattle sheds, and numerous farm ponds and soak pits.
The ‘Palle Panduga’ initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure and enhance livelihood opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. Recent reports also indicate other development-focused initiatives within the state, such as a planned ₹180 crore solar push under the PM Surya Ghar scheme in Nandyal district, aiming to add 39 MW of solar capacity and expand clean energy access, with priority for SC and ST communities.
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The Chenab Times News Desk