Andhra Pradesh to Surpass U.S. in Road Connectivity Within Two Years: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

In a major infrastructure push for Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday declared that the State’s road connectivity will surpass that of the United States within the next two years. He made this bold projection while laying the foundation stone for 27 new road projects worth ₹5,233 crore at a ceremony held at the CK Convention Centre in Mangalagiri.

The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and other dignitaries. Gadkari also announced the sanctioning of additional road projects totaling ₹27,000 crore and gave an in-principle approval for several more projects valued around ₹1 lakh crore.

As part of the day’s events, the Union Minister dedicated two completed national highway projects — Madanapalle to Pileru and Kurnool to Mandlem — to the nation.

“These 27 new projects will drastically improve access to key pilgrimage destinations such as Tirupati, Srisailam, and Kadiri, as well as tourist hotspots like Horsley Hills and Vodarevu Beach. They will also boost connectivity to economic corridors including Sri City, Krishnapatnam Port, and Tirupati Airport,” Gadkari stated.

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development vision, the road initiatives aim to eliminate accident-prone black spots and railway crossings, cut transportation costs, strengthen last-mile connectivity in rural and tribal areas, and decongest urban centres, thereby putting Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India’s infrastructure growth, he added.

Major Upcoming Road Projects Announced:

• Vijayawada–Hyderabad (6-lane expansion) – ₹6,700 crore
• Vijayawada–Machilipatnam (6 lanes) – ₹2,600 crore
• Vinukonda–Guntur (4 lanes) – ₹2,605 crore
• Guntur–Nizampatnam (4 lanes) – ₹2,000 crore
• Bugga Kaipa–Giddaluru (4 lanes) – ₹4,200 crore

Andhra as a Green Hydrogen Pioneer

Gadkari also urged the State to support the adoption of green hydrogen as a clean fuel, calling it the “fuel of the future.” “Andhra Pradesh is already taking the lead in green hydrogen initiatives. In parallel to building roads, we are focusing on boosting the automobile sector, which holds immense potential for job creation and revenue,” he said.

Chief Minister Naidu welcomed the Centre’s support, assuring smooth land acquisition for the road projects. “There will be no bottlenecks from the State’s side. Just guide us and we’ll complete the projects. That is my commitment,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized inclusive development. “We are committed to uplifting tribal communities through better roads, healthcare access, and connectivity. Infrastructure is key to improving livelihoods in agency areas,” he said.