On 13 July 202, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, launched the construction of three National Highway (NH) projects. The minister gave go-ahead to these projects in the city of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The three projects, with a collective span of 87 km, are estimated to cost a total of Rs 2,900 crore.
The first highway is the Naidupate-Turpu Kanupur Section of NH-71, covering a distance of 35 km and requiring an investment of Rs 1,399 crore. The second project is the Chillakuru Cross-Krishnapatnam Port South Gate Section via Turpu Kanupur on NH-516W, spanning 36 km and valued at Rs 909 crore. And the third one is the Thamminapatnam-Narikellapalle Section involves extending the Dedicated Port Road from Eupuru to Krishnapatnam Port on NH-516W and NH-67. This extension covers a length of 16 kilometers and will be built at a cost of Rs 610 crore.
Shri Gadkari expressed that these initiatives aim to establish seamless and secure connectivity to Krishnapatnam Port, facilitating faster accessibility to National Master Plan Nodes, Industrial Nodes, and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) at Nellore. Furthermore, these projects will enhance the safety and convenience of devotees traveling to religious destinations such as the Shri Balaji Temple in Tirupati and the Shri Shiva Temple in Srikalahasti.
In addition to improving transportation infrastructure, Shri Gadkari highlighted that these projects will also contribute to the growth of tourism by connecting popular attractions like the Nelapatu Bird Sanctuary and SHAR at Sriharikota. Moreover, they are expected to create significant employment opportunities.
As of June 30, 2023, as per Projects Today, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had planned road expansion projects worth Rs 25,339 crore in Andhra Pradesh. These plans include the establishment of new roadways, the upgrading of existing roadways, and the construction of flyovers, underpasses, bypasses, and more.
