Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, alongside Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu and other dignitaries, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 29 National Highway projects spanning 272 kilometres in Andhra Pradesh. These developments represent a cumulative investment exceeding Rs 52.3 billion. The ceremony took place in Mangalagiri and was attended by Union Ministers Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Shri Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials.Speaking at the event, Shri Gadkari noted that the projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to eliminate black spots and level crossings, reduce transportation costs, and enhance last-mile connectivity in rural and tribal areas. He added that the projects will help decongest urban centres such as Tirupati, Nellore, and Rayachoty, thereby accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s role in India’s economic development.Gadkari highlighted a notable reduction in India's logistics costs—down from 16 per cent to 10 per cent—with further decline to 9 per cent expected by December 2025. This, he said, would help double exports and significantly increase employment. He also noted that the National Highway network under NHAI in Andhra Pradesh has expanded by 120 per cent—from 4,000 km in 2014 to 8,700 km in 2025.Among the key projects is the transformation of the Madanapalle to Pileru section of NH-71 into a modern four-lane corridor covering 56 kilometres. Developed at a cost of Rs 19.94 billion, this stretch includes nine flyovers, a rail overbridge, 19 major bridges, five vehicular underpasses, and 10 local underpasses.Another major upgrade is the Kurnool to Mandlem stretch of NH-340C, now a four-lane road with paved shoulders across 31 kilometres. It features a flyover, four viaducts, three local underpasses, and a minor underpass, built at a cost of Rs 8.58 billion.Foundation stones have also been laid for 27 additional highway projects across the state. These aim to improve access to major religious destinations such as Tirupati, Srisailam, and Kadiri, and tourist hotspots like Horsley Hills and Vodarevu Beach. Enhanced connectivity is also planned for economic hubs including Sri City, Krishnapatnam Port, and Tirupati Airport.The initiatives reflect the government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth, regional connectivity, and economic upliftment through strategic transport development.