Andhra Pradesh Gets a ₹5,233 Crore Highway Makeover

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 29 National Highway projects spanning 272 km and valued at over Rs 5,233 crore in Mangalagiri on 2 August 2025.

Key highlights include:

Upgradation of the Madanapalle–Pileru (NH-71) stretch to a 4-lane corridor at a cost of Rs 1,994 crore, featuring nine flyovers, 19 major bridges, and several underpasses.

Kurnool–Mandlem (NH-340C) section, upgraded for Rs 858 crore, with paved shoulders and key bridges.

Foundation stones for 27 additional projects were laid to improve connectivity to religious and tourist destinations as well as economic corridors such as Sri City, Krishnapatnam Port, and Tirupati Airport.

Gadkari emphasized that these projects support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to eliminate accident-prone black spots, lower transportation costs, and boost rural and tribal connectivity, while easing congestion in urban centers like Tirupati, Nellore, and Rayachoty.

He noted that enhanced road infrastructure has already reduced India’s logistics costs from 16% to 10%, with a target of 9% by December 2025, which is expected to double exports and create significant employment opportunities.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.