Telangana Seeks National Highway Status for Regional Connectivity Projects

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has intensified efforts to elevate key roadways to national highway status, urging Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for critical infrastructure upgrades during a recent meeting in New Delhi.

In a strategic move to enhance regional connectivity, CM Revanth Reddy highlighted the imperative need to declare the southern portion of the Regional Ring Road (RRR) as a National Highway. This proposal aims to streamline transportation links and bolster economic activities across the state.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister outlined several crucial projects, including the widening of the Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway to six lanes. He emphasized the significance of upgrading existing roads and announcing new national highways to optimize traffic flow and accommodate growing commuter needs.

One of the pivotal developments discussed was the Sangareddy to Narsapur-Toopran-Gajwel-Jagdevpur-Bhongir-Choutuppal road, already designated as a national highway for a 158.645 km stretch. CM Reddy assured the state government’s commitment to sharing half the land acquisition costs associated with this project.

Further advocating for infrastructure expansion, CM Revanth Reddy proposed the declaration of the Choutuppal to Amangal-Shadnagar-Sangareddy route spanning 181.87 km as a national highway. He pressed for inclusion of these initiatives in the NHAI Annual Plan, underlining their critical role in enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating economic growth.

Additionally, the Chief Minister urged Minister Gadkari to prioritize the Kalwakurthi to Kolhapur-Somasila-Karivena-Nandyal (NH-167K) road for national highway status, emphasizing the need for immediate tendering to initiate works on its 142 km stretch. He also sought the expansion of the Hyderabad-Kalwakurthy (NH-765k) road from two lanes to four lanes to alleviate traffic congestion and improve travel efficiency.

In a bid to further integrate state highways into the national framework, CM Revanth Reddy proposed the elevation of the Jagityal-Peddapalli-Manthani-Kataram state highway to national highway status, emphasizing the need for adequate funding allocation to expedite these crucial infrastructure projects.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored the state’s infrastructure readiness by submitting proposals for 12 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) under the ‘Setu Bandhan’ scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24, highlighting the government’s proactive stance in enhancing transportation safety and efficiency across Telangana.

As Telangana gears up for substantial infrastructure advancements, CM Revanth Reddy’s advocacy for national highway status for pivotal roadways reflects the state’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing connectivity for its citizens.