GADKARI PROMISES WORLD-CLASS ROADS FOR ANDHRA PRADESH

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a series of national highway projects worth a massive ₹5,233 crore in Andhra Pradesh. The grand event took place at Mangalagiri, Guntur district, where Gadkari addressed the public and shared ambitious plans that are set to transform the road infrastructure of the state. He emphasized that the central government is committed to revolutionizing road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh and aligning it with international standards.

Key Announcements

Among the key announcements was the development of a Greenfield Expressway that aims to drastically reduce the travel time between Hyderabad and Vijayawada to just two hours. Currently, the journey between these two major cities takes about five hours, often due to traffic congestion and road conditions. Gadkari stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new expressway has already been ordered, marking a significant first step toward its realization.

Alongside this, Gadkari announced that work has already begun to expand the existing Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway to six lanes, which will help bring down the travel time to around two and a half hours. This project is particularly crucial for enhancing the economic and logistical connections between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
“Roads Like in America”

Striking a bold note, Gadkari promised that in the next two years, roads in Andhra Pradesh will be developed to be on par with American highways. “We are working to ensure that AP roads are of international quality. Within two years, the people of Andhra Pradesh will experience world-class road travel. The kind of roads you see in America, you will see here too,” he asserted.

This ambitious target aligns with the central government’s broader infrastructure goals under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which focuses on optimizing freight and passenger movement across the country through state-of-the-art highways and expressways.

Visionary Leadership Acknowledged

Gadkari also lauded the vision of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, calling him a futuristic leader. He mentioned that Naidu’s forward-thinking policies and focus on development are key factors that will drive Andhra Pradesh’s transformation in the coming years.

“Chandrababu Garu always thinks ahead. His planning and commitment to development complement our vision at the Centre. Together, we will create a new era of growth for Andhra Pradesh,” Gadkari said.
Economic and Regional Impact

The newly proposed Greenfield Highway and the widening of the existing highway are expected to generate massive economic benefits. Improved connectivity between Hyderabad and Vijayawada will facilitate faster movement of goods, boost tourism, and enhance trade between the two states. It will also ease the pressure on existing transport routes and reduce fuel consumption and travel costs for commuters.

With Vijayawada being a major business hub and Hyderabad a tech and industrial powerhouse, the expressway is likely to play a crucial role in regional economic integration. The development will benefit thousands of commuters, transporters, and industries dependent on swift and efficient logistics.

Projects Underway

The ₹5,233 crore allocated includes not just the Hyderabad-Vijayawada projects, but also a network of highway upgrades, new road stretches, flyovers, and bypasses across Andhra Pradesh. These projects are aimed at reducing travel time across districts, improving safety, and ensuring last-mile connectivity to remote regions.

Gadkari highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, connectivity and infrastructure have become top priorities. With enhanced logistics, rural and semi-urban areas will be integrated more closely into the mainstream economy, opening up new opportunities for employment and business.

A Game-Changer for AP

Overall, these announcements signal a significant shift in how Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure is being planned and executed. The promise of American-standard roads is not just symbolic; it sets a clear benchmark for quality, safety, and future-readiness. Once completed, these projects will mark a new chapter in the state’s transportation history.

The central government’s support, combined with the proactive leadership of the state government, is expected to unlock the full potential of Andhra Pradesh, driving investments, innovation, and inclusive growth across the region.

In conclusion, Nitin Gadkari’s recent visit to Andhra Pradesh marks the beginning of a transformative era for the state’s road infrastructure. With massive investments, futuristic expressways, and international quality standards, Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to emerge as a connectivity powerhouse in South India.