Komatireddy assures contractors on pending dues, seeks withdrawal of Chalo Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy assured contractors that the state government is committed to clearing contractors’ dues and appealed for the withdrawal of the proposed Chalo Hyderabad programme.
The minister met builders and contractors at his camp office following directions from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
He held detailed discussions on their concerns and pending payments.
Komatireddy said the Chief Minister was sympathetic to the issues raised by contractors and was keen on finding an early solution.
According to the minister, the previous government left behind more than Rs.4,000 crore in pending liabilities in the Roads and Buildings Department alone.
He said contractors involved in Yadadri temple works are still awaiting around Rs.350 crore in payments.
Despite financial pressures, the government has prioritised the clearance of pending bills, he said.
The department has released more than Rs.3,000 crore to contractors during the last 30 months.
However, around Rs.2,500 crore still remains pending.
The minister added that liabilities across departments had once touched nearly Rs.8,000 crore.
Contractors’ dues and payment roadmap under discussion
Komatireddy said contractor suicides linked to payment delays had deeply disturbed the government.
He alleged that most of those incidents occurred during the previous administration.
He also accused the former government of neglecting several key infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, he said the government is taking special measures to prevent similar situations from recurring.
The minister added that authorities are addressing pending payments related to small contractors, LED lighting works and retired employees.
He said the government has already released around Rs.140 crore towards such liabilities.
Meanwhile, he urged contractors to withdraw the Chalo Hyderabad programme proposed for June 18.
He said widespread rainfall has increased the need for uninterrupted road, bridge and emergency repair works across the state.
Komatireddy announced that the government would soon hold a meeting with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
The meeting will focus on preparing a roadmap to resolve pending dues within three months.
The minister also highlighted several infrastructure initiatives across Telangana.
These include road development projects, highway expansion works and new connectivity proposals.
He said the government aims to build world-class road infrastructure and sought the cooperation of contractors.
Builders Association representative DVN Reddy said contractors had called for the Chalo Hyderabad programme to draw attention to families affected by payment delays.
He said the association discussed its concerns with the minister.
According to DVN Reddy, the minister responded positively and assured them that the government would take up the matter with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.