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Varma Pushes for Highway Acceleration: Gadkari Assures Support Ahead of Andhra Pradesh Visit

Swarnadwip Nath Published Aug 01, 2025, 11:15 PM Updated Sep 17, 2026, 07:14 PM

In a strategic move to fast-track infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Thursday, August 1, 2025. The meeting focused on expediting key national highway projects that have faced delays, causing inconvenience to local residents and slowing regional economic growth.

The timing of the meeting is significant, coming just ahead of Gadkari’s scheduled visit to Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, where he is expected to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several highway projects.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

- Urgent Highway Projects Raised

- Varma emphasized the need to accelerate two critical projects in the Narasapuram Lok Sabha constituency:

* Digamarru–Akividu–Bhimavaram Bypass Road (NH-165)

* Narasapuram Bypass Road (part of NH-216, the Kathipudi–Ongole corridor)

- These projects are vital for easing traffic congestion in Bhimavaram and Narasapuram towns and improving commuter safety

- Appeal for Restarting Stalled Work

- Varma urged Gadkari to immediately resume stalled construction on the Narasapuram Bypass

- He highlighted that delays have disrupted daily life and hindered transport efficiency in the Delta region

- Completion of these roads is expected to unlock economic potential and improve logistics for local businesses

- Gadkari’s Response and Assurances

- Gadkari assured Varma of full cooperation from the central government

- He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to resolving bottlenecks and accelerating project timelines

- The meeting sets the stage for potential announcements during Gadkari’s upcoming visit to the state

Contextual Backdrop:

The push for highway development comes amid broader concerns over delays in national infrastructure projects. As of July 2025, nearly 489 road projects across India have been delayed due to land acquisition hurdles, forest and wildlife clearances, and railway approvals. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been working closely with state governments to resolve these issues and prevent further cost overruns.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Narasapuram region has been particularly affected, with commuters facing long detours and traffic bottlenecks due to incomplete bypass roads. Local stakeholders have repeatedly called for faster execution, citing the impact on trade, tourism, and daily mobility.

Strategic Importance of the Projects:

- The NH-165 and NH-216 corridors are crucial for connecting coastal Andhra Pradesh with inland trade routes

- Improved road infrastructure is expected to boost agricultural exports, reduce travel time, and enhance safety standards

- The projects also align with India’s broader goals under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, aimed at creating seamless highway connectivity across the country

Looking Ahead:

With Gadkari’s visit to Andhra Pradesh on the horizon, expectations are high for concrete announcements and renewed momentum on stalled projects. Varma’s proactive engagement signals a growing urgency to deliver on infrastructure promises and meet the rising demands of a rapidly developing region.

As the central and state governments align on priorities, the coming weeks could mark a turning point for highway development in the Delta belt—bringing relief to commuters and new opportunities for economic expansion.

Source: The Hans India

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