How Will Highway Projects Transform Telangana?

Synopsis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reveals ambitious plans for highway projects in Telangana, promising to invest Rs 2 lakh crore over the next few years. Discover how these developments aim to revolutionize the state's infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and spur economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 2 lakh crore investment planned for Telangana highways.
- Significant economic growth expected from new projects.
- Travel time reductions from major routes.
- Commitment from the Centre for Telangana's development.
- National highways in Telangana have doubled since 2014.
Hyderabad, May 5 (NationPress) Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Monday that the government plans to initiate highway projects valued at Rs 2 lakh crore in Telangana over the next 3-4 years, expressing optimism that these initiatives will transform the state's infrastructure.
He noted that new greenfield expressway projects costing around Rs 1 lakh crore are currently in progress.
During a public gathering at Sirpur Kagaznagar in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, following the inauguration or foundation laying of national highway projects worth Rs 3,900 crore, Gadkari emphasized that these developments will significantly boost the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and enhance seamless connectivity. By alleviating congestion, facilitating cost-effective travel, and improving overall logistics efficiency, these projects mark a significant advancement in the state's infrastructure.
The Union Minister reiterated the Centre's unwavering commitment to the growth of Telangana.
He highlighted that the length of national highways in Telangana was 2,511 km in 2014 when he assumed office, which has now increased to nearly 5,000 km.
"Projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore have been completed in Telangana, but this is merely the beginning. In the upcoming 3-4 years, we will initiate works worth Rs 2 lakh crore, and I am confident that this will transform Telangana," he stated.
Gadkari enumerated several greenfield expressway projects underway in the state.
The Indore-Hyderabad Expressway, a 770 km project, has been initiated at a cost of Rs 17,000 crore. This expressway will span 136 km in Telangana, with all work in the state completed for Rs 4,500 crore.
The expressway, traversing through Kamareddy, Medak, and Sangareddy in Telangana, is expected to be finished by March 2026, cutting travel time between Indore and Hyderabad from 20 hours to 10 hours.
The Surat-Solapur-Kurnool-Chennai Expressway of 1,100 km, also passing through Telangana, is anticipated to be completed next year, linking the north to the south and realizing the vision from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Gadkari expressed his intent to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to travel by road from Himachal Pradesh to Kanyakumari.
This expressway will cover 78 km in Telangana, connecting Kurnool in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. It is projected to reduce the distance between Surat and Chennai by 300 km and decrease travel time from 28 hours to 17 hours.
Gadkari mentioned that the Suryapet to Devarapalli greenfield expressway will be 221 km long, initiated at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore. It forms part of the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam corridor, covering 164 km in Telangana and passing through Suryapet and Khammam districts, aiming to cut travel time between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam from 12 hours to 6 hours.
The Nagpur-Vijayawada Expressway will span 565 km with an investment of Rs 16,000 crore. It will cover 401 km in Telangana, costing Rs 13,328 crore. This expressway will pass through Asifabad, Mancherial, Bhupalapally, Hanamkonda, Warangal, and Khammam, reducing the distance between Nagpur and Vijayawada by 175 km and travel time from 13 hours to 6 hours.
Gadkari indicated that the Hyderabad-Panaji Corridor has been initiated at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore for a distance of 563 km. It will cover 90 km in Telangana and will traverse through Mahabubnagar and Jadcherla to connect with National Highway 44. This project is expected to reduce travel time between Hyderabad and Panaji from 15 hours to 7 hours.
Addressing the developmental challenges in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and surrounding districts, Gadkari emphasized the necessity of focusing on water, power, transport, and infrastructure.
He mentioned the water conservation efforts he implemented in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, where 10,000 farmers faced hardships. He offered assistance to Telangana in desilting dams and water bodies at no cost to enhance their water storage capabilities.
Present at the event were Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Telangana’s Minister for Roads and Buildings Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, among others.