Guntur: In a major relief to residents, the state govt has handed over several key road stretches — until now maintained by the roads and buildings (R&B) department — to the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) for proper upkeep and repairs. The move is expected to end years of commuter hardship caused by battered roads and finally resolve confusion over maintenance responsibility.For years, important arterial roads in Guntur languished due to fund constraints faced by the R&B department. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor riding conditions became a daily ordeal for motorists, pedestrians, and public transport users. Citizens, unaware that these stretches were under R&B jurisdiction, repeatedly blamed the civic body, fueling public dissatisfaction.Taking serious note, GMC commissioner Puli Srinivasulu formally sought the transfer of these roads to the civic body. Responding swiftly, Special Chief Secretary (R&B) MT Krishna Babu approved the proposal, recalling his own tenure as GMC commissioner and the city’s urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, especially given its proximity to Amaravati.The roads handed over include major district stretches such as the Madras–Calcutta Road (Chuttugunta Circle–Auto Nagar), JKC College–Ponnekallu Road, Pedapalakaluru–Mallavaram Road, Etthuroad–Nallacheruvu link, and Kantheru Road. Key state highways like Guntur–Chirala, Guntur–Parchuru, Guntur–Amaravathi, and Guntur–Hanumanpalem have also been transferred. With an annual budget of ₹500 crore, GMC is now positioned to take up comprehensive repairs, relaying, and improvement works.Commissioner Srinivasulu said the move will finally allow GMC to address one of the city’s biggest pain points. “For years, citizens suffered due to damaged roads, and the civic body was blamed despite having no control over them. Now that these roads are under GMC, we can plan proper construction, maintenance, and long-term solutions using our available resources,” said Srinivasulu. He explained that coordinated action will be taken between GMC, district authorities, and engineering wings to ensure a smooth transition and early execution of works. The decision is being widely welcomed as a long-overdue step that promises safer roads, better mobility, and visible improvement in Guntur’s urban infrastructure.
