Gadkari launches highway projects worth Rs 21,559 cr

Vijayawada/Visakhapatnam: Describing Andhra Pradesh as a progressive State with a good potential for development, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has conceded to the request of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and sanctioned the East bypass to Vijayawada city besides 30 Road over Brides (RoBs).

Gadkari inaugurated second Benz Circle flyover at Vijayawada and four-lane raid between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada ports.

Fifty one highway projects including inauguration and stone-laying worth Rs 21,559 crore launched.

The Chief Minister, at the main function held at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, said that it was a great day for the State with the Union Minister being present for the inauguration works of 51 projects of which foundation stone was laid for 30 projects running into 735 km with an estimated cost of Rs.10, 368 crore and inaugurated 21 projects measuring 645 km with a cost of Rs 11,191 crore.

The Chief Minister said the State has requested the Centre in August 2019 for the Western bypass flyover 2 at Benz Circle and was immediately granted and is now being inaugurated. Even the Kanaka Durgamma flyover, which was completed with the help of Nitin Gadkari after YSRCP came to power, he said. Stating that expansion and development of highways has been a priority, he said, the State has allocated Rs 10,600 crore for the state highways. Rs 6,400 crore was allocated for connecting the district headquarters to mandals through two lane highways, Rs 2,300 crore for repair and maintenance and Rs1,700 crore for the pending works.

The Union Minister was all praise for the Chief Minister and called him a young and dynamic leader who is taking the state forward and described the State a progressive one and the two main ports would generate employment and revenue to the State and connectivity play a vital for which the Centre would extend all help.

The Union Minister has assured that by 2024 the Centre would spend Rs.3 lakh crore for development of roads in the State.

Of the 23 Greenfield express highway the Ministry has taken up six fall in Andhra Pradesh which include the Raipur-Visakhapatnam (465 km) which will be completed by 2024. Nagpur to Vijayawada highway will be completed by 2025.