Highway Expansion to Double Telangana’s Connectivity: Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday announced that the central government is set to undertake national highway projects worth approximately ₹2 lakh crore in Telangana over the next three to four years. Speaking at a public meeting after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for national highway projects worth ₹3,900 crore in Sirpur Kagaznagar, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, Nitin Gadkari expressed confidence that these massive initiatives would completely transform the state’s infrastructure landscape.

Gadkari stated that highway projects worth around ₹1 lakh crore are already progressing rapidly across the state, particularly under the new Greenfield Expressway category. He noted that upon completion, these projects would significantly boost Telangana’s economy, generate substantial employment opportunities for youth, and improve transportation efficiency. He emphasized that the reduction in traffic congestion, cost-effective travel, and enhanced logistics capacity would represent a vital leap forward in the state’s infrastructure development. He reiterated the central government’s strong commitment to the growth of Telangana.

Recalling the progress made under his tenure, Nitin Gadkari noted that in 2014, when he assumed office, Telangana had 2,511 kilometers of national highways. This figure has nearly doubled to 5,000 kilometers. “We have already completed works worth ₹1.5 lakh crore in Telangana. But this is just the beginning. In the next three to four years, we will take up additional projects worth ₹2 lakh crore. I firmly believe these will truly change the face of Telangana,” he said.

He detailed several major Greenfield Expressway projects currently underway in the state:

Indore–Hyderabad Expressway: A ₹17,000 crore, 770 km project, with 136 km running through Telangana. Work worth ₹4,500 crore has received full clearances. The route will pass through Kamareddy, Medak, and Sangareddy districts and is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Travel time between Indore and Hyderabad will reduce from 20 hours to 10 hours.

Surat–Chennai Expressway: This 1,100 km expressway will pass through Telangana and is intended to link northern and southern India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The Telangana segment, including the neighboring Kurnool area, spans 78 km. The project is expected to be completed next year, reducing travel time from 28 hours to 17 hours and distance by 300 km.

Suryapet–Devarapalli Greenfield Expressway: As part of the Hyderabad–Visakhapatnam corridor, this ₹8,000 crore, 221 km project includes 164 km through Suryapet and Khammam districts. It will reduce travel time between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam from 12 hours to 6 hours.

Nagpur–Vijayawada Expressway: This ₹16,000 crore, 565 km project includes 401 km (₹13,328 crore) within Telangana, covering Asifabad, Mancherial, Bhupalpally, Hanumakonda, Warangal, and Khammam districts. It will shorten the Nagpur–Vijayawada distance by 175 km and travel time from 13 hours to 6 hours.

Hyderabad–Panaji Corridor: A ₹20,000 crore, 563 km project that includes a 90 km stretch in Telangana passing through Mahabubnagar and Jadcherla, connecting to National Highway 44. The corridor will reduce travel time between Hyderabad and Panaji from 15 hours to 7 hours.

Nitin Gadkari also announced plans to connect major pilgrimage sites such as Bhadrachalam, Basara, and Medaram to the national highway network. Additionally, expansion works for the Jagityal–Karimnagar highway are set to begin soon. These initiatives are expected to improve road connectivity between Telangana and Maharashtra.

Highlighting the developmental lag in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and nearby districts, Nitin Gadkari emphasized the need for focused efforts in water, power, transportation, and infrastructure. Citing his work in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, he promised to assist Telangana in enhancing water storage by offering free removal of silt from dams and water bodies.

Encouraging a shift toward environmentally friendly transportation, he advocated for increased adoption of electric and CNG vehicles over petrol vehicles. He asserted that greater usage of electric vehicles would significantly reduce transportation costs.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Telangana Minister for Roads and Buildings Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, among others.