Gadkari launches Rs 5,233 crore highway projects in Andhra Pradesh

Mangalagiri: In a major infrastructure push aimed at accelerating connectivity and reducing logistics costs, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation for 29 National Highway projects covering 272 kilometers across Andhra Pradesh. The initiatives, worth over Rs 5,233 crore, signal the government’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure-led growth in the state.

Mega highway drive to boost connectivity

Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the projects in the presence of Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and senior state and central officials.

The 29 projects are aimed at decongesting major cities like Tirupati, Nellore, and Rayachoty while enhancing last-mile connectivity in rural and tribal areas.

Focus on safety and economic efficiency

Gadkari emphasized that the new infrastructure would help eliminate accident-prone black spots and railway crossings while improving overall travel safety. “These projects reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of safe and efficient transport,” he said.

The Union Minister also pointed to a significant drop in logistics costs, which have declined from 16% to 10% of GDP and are projected to fall further to 9% by December 2025. He said this would help double exports and generate employment across the logistics and industrial sectors.

Notable road projects and investments

One of the most significant completed projects is the Madanapalle to Pileru stretch of NH-71, now a modern 4-lane highway built at a cost of Rs 1,994 crore. This 56-kilometer corridor includes 9 flyovers, 1 railway overbridge, 19 major bridges, 5 vehicular underpasses and10 local underpasses.

Similarly, the Kurnool to Mandlem stretch of NH-340C, spanning 31 kilometers, has been widened to a 4-lane road with paved shoulders at an investment of Rs 858 crore. The upgrade includes1 flyover, 4 viaducts, 3 local underpasses and 1 minor underpass

Enhancing access to religious and tourist destinations

The foundation stone was also laid for 27 additional highway projects aimed at boosting connectivity to key pilgrimage and tourism sites. These include:

Religious hubs: Tirupati, Srisailam, Kadiri
Tourist destinations: Horsley Hills, Vodarevu Beach
Economic zones: Sri City, Krishnapatnam Port, Tirupati Airport

These new corridors are expected to enhance trade and tourism while easing local and interstate travel.

National highway network growth in Andhra Pradesh

Gadkari noted that the total length of National Highways in Andhra Pradesh under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has increased by 120%—from 4,000 km in 2014 to 8,700 km by 2025, reflecting a steep infrastructure growth curve in the last decade. “The government is focused on ensuring world-class infrastructure to make Andhra Pradesh a leading state in logistics and exports,” Gadkari said.