Andhra Pradesh Advocates Fast-Track Highway Approvals for Growth Surge

In a strategic move to bolster road infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh engaged with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Monday. The agenda centered around expediting approvals for significant highway expansions and urban mobility projects, notably the Kuppam-Bengaluru-Chennai industrial corridor.

The comprehensive discussions emphasized the necessity for seamless connectivity and city decongestion, aiming to propel Andhra Pradesh's growth trajectory. A significant talking point was the Kuppam-Hosur-Bengaluru greenfield highway, poised to span 56 kilometers with an investment of ₹3,000 crore. Minister Lokesh deemed it a transformative project for regional development, urging swift approval.

Highlighting regional revival, the Minister advocated for Kuppam Area Development Authority's efforts to establish a major industrial park across 1,051 sq km to enhance investments and employment. He pressed for immediate action on NH-65 widening and advocated for seamless Amaravati-Hyderabad connectivity through completed and approved project proposals.

Focusing on urban infrastructure, requests were made for integrated double-decker flyovers along NH-16, including a significant 20km elevated corridor in Visakhapatnam. These would mimic Nagpur's urban design success, alongside other infrastructure projects to mitigate traffic congestion and support regional connectivity.

Minister Lokesh underscored the state's commitment to road safety, advanced tolling systems, and real-time traffic management, pledging readiness for land acquisition and environmental clearance to comply with current standards. These enhancements aim to align Andhra Pradesh with global infrastructure benchmarks while facilitating balanced developmental growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)