ASR tops NITI Aayog’s infrastructure rankings

Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district has been ranked first in the country in Basic Infrastructure theme of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme, as per rankings as on March 2026, District Collector T. Nishanthi announced on Sunday.

Calling it a significant milestone for the tribal-dominated district, Ms. Nishanthi attributed the achievement to sustained focus on strengthening basic infrastructure, even in the district’s remotest tribal habitations. She cited improvements in drinking water supply, road connectivity, electricity, solar street lighting, upgraded primary health centres and school buildings, and the construction of public toilets, alongside the effective implementation of welfare schemes, as key drivers of the outcome.

The Collector credited close coordination among government departments, the commitment of field-level staff, and continuous monitoring by the district administration. She described the ranking as a reflection of collective effort, acknowledging the contribution of public representatives, officials across departments and the people of the district.