ANDHRA PRADESH

Best big state

WHY NO.1

Completed 26 of 52 projects (50%) sanctioned under JNNURM.

Average for all states is 31% 92% of households in the state are connected by pucca roads.

We have to spend Rs 32,500 crore in the next four years on infrastructure for Amaravati," says Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu of his new proposed capital. Improving connectivity to showcase the state is a top priority (92 per cent of habitations are accessible by pucca roads), and besides road links, Andhra has laid a 23,000 km-long optic fibre chain as well. "The first 10 lakh set-top boxes to homes will be provided by Sankranthi," says Ajay Jain, principal secretary, energy, infrastructure and investment. Andhra's improved air connectivity, with 11 airports (existing and planned), four major ports and the planned 975-km coastal Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor should make the state a top player. AP is already the largest producer and exporter of fish and aquaculture produce.

MAHARASHTRA

Most improved big state

WHY NO.1

Surfaced road length up by 31% to 4,40,294 km in 2013-14. National average was 19%

89% of households in the state are connected by pucca roads.

GOA

Best small state

WHY NO.1

Highest number of bank branches per 1,000 people-4.36-in 2014.

As of 2015, almost 95% of Goa's habitations were connected by pucca roads.

Pramod Sawant at the new bridge on the Mandovi river Pramod Sawant at the new bridge on the Mandovi river

Innovative bridges to a state-of-the-art garbage treatment plant, Goa has had several firsts this year. The German-made plant at Saligao, which can handle 100 tonnes of solid waste daily, has made north Goa and its beaches garbage-free. Three art and culture centres at Margao, Sanquelim and Vasco and the newly constructed Food and Drugs Administration building sees a new focus on eco-friendly constructions. "All our future constructions will be eco-friendly," says Pramod Sawant, Goa State Infrastructural Development Corporation chairman. Other mega projects include the four-lane, 900-metre third bridge over the Mandovi river (80 per cent complete), and the Panaji-Old Goa six-lane road (completed). "Infrastructure-wise, we are looking 25 years ahead," says CM Laxmikant Parsekar. A state-of-the-art mortuary room, exam hall and girls' hostel at the Goa Medical College are other big achievements.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Most improved small state

WHY NO.1

67% of projects sanctioned under JNNURM completed. National average is 14%.

Ratio of surfaced road length to population up from 8 per 1,000 in 2012 to 11 per 1,000 in 2013.

