₹424-crore water project launched to secure round-the-clock supply in Ongole

Minister Nara Lokesh laid the foundation stone for the ₹424-crore drinking water supply project at Rangarayudu Cheruvu in Ongole, marking a significant step towards addressing the region's water security challenges. The infrastructure development initiative is designed to ensure 24-hour availability of potable water to the municipality's residents through modern distribution systems and treatment facilities.

The project is part of broader efforts to upgrade urban water infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh's tier-two cities. Officials expect the scheme to serve thousands of households and commercial establishments once operational, with provisions for population growth and seasonal demand fluctuations.

Accompanying the water project announcement, a separate investment initiative was also unveiled during the ceremony. A Radisson Hotel development is set to come up near Chadalavada with an estimated investment of ₹100 crore, signalling growing commercial interest in Ongole as a hospitality and tourism destination.

The dual announcements reflect the state government's strategy to combine essential infrastructure development with economic diversification. Officials indicated that the water supply project would create employment opportunities during construction and subsequent operations phases while supporting industrial and commercial expansion in the region.