India - Andhra Pradesh State Highways Project : environmental analysis (Vol. 2 of 4)

INDIA: PROPOSED ANDHRA PRADESH _x STATE HIGHWAY PROJECT 1 POLICY FOR RESETTLEMENT AND RELIIABILITATION OF DISPLACED AND AFFECTED PERSONS OF ffl A.P. STATE HIGHWAYS PROJECT 1 INTRODUCTION - X 1.1 Andhra Pradesh State FHighways Project (APSHP) is being formulated and posed for funding to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in various currencies equivalent to about US$300 million. The main aim of the project is to improve the performance of the state's road transport network. The project intends to U14 improve State Highways, road conditions and capacity along witlh development of in- house capabilities of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to plan, development and maintain A.P. roads network. 1.2 Based on the results of the strategic option study conducted in 1994 the Government of flj A.P. (GOAP) has identified 3178 krns of high priority roads covering 17 districts. Of thlis, about 1400 km is proposed for improvement with the assistance from the World Bank. The techno-economic feasibility studies were completed and the roads to be ID upgraded were identified. Improvements mostly include strengtheninig and widening the existing pavement with some minor realignment whiere necessary. 1.3 The main objective of the APSIIP is to improve the performiiance of thle state's road transport work. Road users, will benefit from the proposed improvemiienit through 23 improved comfort, safety and reduced travel time. 1.4 A significanit short terml economiiic benefit of the pi-oject will be the genel-ation of | employment opportunities in tihe constructioni activities. CoiimmuIities aloing the nlew roads will also benefit from the increased economic activity resultinig from increased traffic flow. Local communiities wvill have greater access to the public and other transport facilities. 31 ,, 1.5 Road safety for communities along the upgraded roads will be enhlaniced by the project, 111 including the construction of wider roads to allow separation of slover and faster traffic. Street lightinig is also to be included in thle project in some urban areas to improve night | r visibility. I .6 TIhle proposed landscapinig. includinig tree planting and native scedilng, of thle Righlt of Way (ROW) wlhich will improve thle enviroinmenit in the vicinity of the road, is another significant benefit of thie pojoect. I I