Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana announced that the state will request ₹200 crore from the centre under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund to build an underground drainage system in Kakinada, aiming to improve flood resilience and urban sanitation.

  • The state will request ₹200 crore from the centre for underground drainage.
  • A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been ordered for swift fund approval.
  • Ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission works, park modernisation and green‑cover upgrades accompany the plan.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana, along with MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao, inspected ongoing and proposed projects in Kakinada on Sunday. He confirmed that the state will seek ₹200 crore from the centre under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) to construct an underground drainage network for the city.

Commissioner N.V.V. Satyanarayana of the Kakinada Municipal Corporation was instructed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) immediately, enabling a fast‑track funding request. The initiative aims to curb chronic flooding, especially during monsoon seasons, and to modernise the city’s sanitation infrastructure.

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Historical Background

Kakinada, a major port city in Andhra Pradesh, has experienced rapid urbanisation, leading to chronic drainage challenges. In 2022, the state launched a ₹354 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to improve drinking water supply, yet the lack of a robust underground drainage system persisted, causing frequent flood disruptions.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that effective underground drainage will not only mitigate flood risks but also boost investor confidence, potentially attracting over ₹500 crore in private infrastructure investments over the next five years.

"An underground drainage system will fortify the city’s water security and accelerate economic growth," said water‑policy expert Dr. Anita Rao.
Did You Know?: In 2024, Kakinada’s floods affected more than 15,000 households, highlighting the urgent need for improved drainage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where will the ₹200 crore funding come from?

A: The money is expected to be allocated from the central government’s Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF).

Q2: When will the project start?

A: After the DPR receives approval, construction is projected to commence in early 2027.