Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 16 National Highways projects with a total length of 1,411 kms worth Rs 155.92 billion in Andhra Pradesh on 16 October 2020. The event was presided by the Chief Minister Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gadkari said that the length of National Highways in Andhra Pradesh before May 2014 was 4,193 Km, which has now increased to 6,860 Km. Thus, there has been increase of 2,667 Km (64%) in NH length during past 6 years. He informed that works costing Rs 341 billion are under DPR Stage and targeted for completion by 2024, while works costing Rs 254.4 billion are under implementation. He said, 50-60% progress has been achieved in projects costing Rs 181 billion. 

The Minister said, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a New India, development of world-class transport infrastructure has been prioritized, through initiatives such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana, India’s largest ever infrastructure development programme. Many flagship corridors such as Delhi Mumbai Expressway, Delhi Amritsar Katra Expressway, Chennai – Bengaluru Expressway, Anantapur – Amaravati Expressway etc. are being developed as a part of Bharatmala Pariyojana.

Shri Gadkari informed that the 335 Km Anantpur - Amaravati Expressway is being developed as a part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The access control Expressway improving connectivity of Capital Region, Coastal and Northern region of Andhra Pradesh and will greatly enable the economic prosperity of the region. The Expressway has 16 Packages and is being developed with an investment of Rs 200 billion. It connects Amaravati, new capital city of Andhra Pradesh with Anantapuramu of Rayalaseema Region and it provides a major connectivity between NH-44 & NH-16 which are lifeline in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

The Minister said, the Bangalore – Chennai Expressway with a length of 262 Km is also one of the Expressways being developed as a part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This access control Expressway, improving connectivity between Bangalore and Chennai, will greatly enable the economic prosperity of the region. Three packages with a total length of 85 Km are being developed in the State of Andhra Pradesh with an investment of Rs 52 billion. The Works have been sanctioned and construction is being initiated in another 16 projects of length 878 km at an investment of Rs 75.85 billion.  Its includes construction of Western Side Benz Circle Flyover in the city limits of Vijayawada.  

Chief Minister Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy thanked the Union Minister for giving consent to various proposals sent by the State. He said that the State needs continued support of the Centre for ensuring enhanced progress of the people. He pointed out that sanctions for approved projects during first tenure of the NDA were still awaited. The Chief Minister also suggested eight road lengths to be taken up on priority in the state.

Union MoS for RTH Gen (Retd) Dr V K Singh said, attention has been given to make Andhra Pradesh a prosperous State. He said, Andhra Pradesh is a hub where a large number of roads pass. Development of such projects will bring prosperity to State. He congratulated all those involved in these projects. Union MoS for Home Affairs Shri G Kishan Reddy expressed hope that more projects will come in near future, making Andhra Pradesh a happy and prosperous State.