Gadkari Unveils Rs 52.3 Billion Highway Projects in Andhra

04 Aug 2025 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Transport

22 Sep 2025

NHAI Tightens Contractor Norms to Boost Highway Quality

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised Request for Proposal (RFP) provisions to enhance the quality of highway projects, reduce delays, and lower lifecycle costs. The updates tighten contractor qualification norms, strengthen execution compliance, and increase financial transparency, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said on Wednesday.The stricter RFP clauses will ensure that only technically capable and experienced contractors are eligible for national highway projects. RFPs formally invite bids from contractors, specifying project requirements, terms, a..

Infrastructure Transport

22 Sep 2025

Imphal to Gain Rail Connectivity with Jiribam Line Soon

Indian Railways is advancing rapidly on the Jiribam–Imphal railway line, a landmark project set to bring train connectivity to Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The 110.625 km line falls under the administrative control of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.Following the recent completion of the Bairabi–Sairang rail project, which enabled services from Aizawl (Sairang), Imphal will soon join the national rail network. During his visit to Manipur on 13 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the government is investing Rs 22 billion in the project.Currently, a 55.36 ..

Infrastructure Transport

22 Sep 2025

Adani to Double Colombo Terminal Capacity Ahead of Schedule

India’s Adani Group and its partners are set to double the capacity of the $840 million Colombo West International Terminal months ahead of schedule, despite relinquishing $553 million in U.S. funding, according to an executive at partner firm John Keells Holdings.The deepwater terminal, situated alongside a facility operated by China Merchants Port Holdings, highlights Sri Lanka’s strategic role in the contest for influence in the Indian Ocean between New Delhi and Beijing.The first phase of the fully automated terminal became operational in April 2025. The second and final phase is under..