Massive Boost: Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates ₹5,233 Cr Highway Projects in Andhra Pradesh

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated 29 National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh, investing over ₹5,233 crore. The projects aim to eliminate accident-prone black spots, reduce transportation costs, strengthen last-mile connectivity, and decongest key urban centres. The improved road infrastructure has reduced logistics costs from 16% to 10%, projected to reach 9% by December 2025. The length of National Highways under NHAI has increased by 120%, demonstrating the government’s focus on infrastructure-led economic growth. Additionally, 27 additional projects are being laid to enhance connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, improving access to religious sites and tourist destinations.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently inaugurated and laid foundation stones for National Highway projects worth ₹5,233 crore in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to strengthen connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and promote multi-modal logistics infrastructure in the southern region of India. These initiatives are part of a broader nationwide strategy to enhance road networks under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Details of the Projects Announced

The projects span multiple districts and include greenfield expressways, bypasses, four-laning of key corridors, and ROBs (Rail Over Bridges). Notable among them is the upgradation of the Anantapur-Guntur corridor, development of bypass roads in Nadya and Baxalta, and several critical junction improvements. These works will improve travel time, reduce vehicular congestion in urban areas, and provide safer road conditions (Nitin Gadkari).

Regional Connectivity and Economic Impact

The highway expansion is expected to have a transformational effect on Andhra Pradesh’s agriculture, ports, and industrial hubs, by connecting remote regions with key economic corridors. Districts like Kurnool, Guntur, and Prakarsa, known for their agricultural output and mineral resources, will now have smoother access to major ports such as Krishnappa and Visakhapatnam, thereby reducing freight costs. This will also benefit logistics operations tied to textile parks, MSME clusters, and food processing zones. Additionally, road improvements in tribal and backward areas are aimed at creating new employment opportunities and better access to education and healthcare services.

Multi-Modal Integration and Port Connectivity

A key objective of the National Highway projects is to enhance last-mile connectivity to major ports and economic zones, as envisioned under the Sagarmala Programme. Projects like the proposed link road to Machilipatnam Port and enhanced access to NH-216A are critical to facilitating coastal cargo movement and boosting inland waterway integration (Road Transport and Highways).

Environment and Road Safety Measures

Minister Gadkari emphasized the government’s push for sustainable infrastructure. As part of these projects, tree plantations, rainwater harvesting, and roadside solar lighting will be implemented. Further, black spot rectification, smart traffic signage, and separate pedestrian pathways are included to improve road safety and minimize accidents.

Government’s Vision and Future Plans

This event is part of a larger vision to develop 35,000+ km of national highways across India. Andhra Pradesh, with its strategic coastal location and growing industrial base, is central to this plan. Gadkari also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering world-class expressways, reducing logistics costs to under 8% of GDP, and making India a global hub for infrastructure excellence. With ₹5,233 crore in new projects underway, Andhra Pradesh is now poised for rapid transformation in transport, commerce, and regional development.