Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi and sought quick approvals for major road and infrastructure projects.
Lokesh highlighted the importance of the Kuppam–Hosur–Bengaluru greenfield highway worth ₹3,000 crore, calling it a key project for regional growth. He urged for fast-track approval and direct linkage to the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway.
He also discussed the Kuppam–Bengaluru–Chennai industrial corridor and revival plans for the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA), which covers over 1,000 sq km and includes an upcoming industrial park to boost investments and jobs.
The Minister requested widening of NH-65 (Kanuru–Machilipatnam, 59.8 km), stressing that the DPR is ready and approvals are in place. He said the highway would strengthen Amaravati–Hyderabad connectivity and create new port linkages.
On urban development, Lokesh sought support for double-decker flyovers with metro corridors on NH-16, including a 20 km elevated road in Visakhapatnam and a 4.7 km stretch in Vijayawada. He also pushed for the 50 km Vijayawada Eastern Bypass to reduce traffic congestion.
Other requests included upgrades on Kurnool–Yemmiganur road, Vinukonda–Guntur NH-544D, Kakinada Port–NH-216 (South Side), and Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple link road.
Lokesh further highlighted the need for road safety measures, modern tolling systems, green corridors, and advanced traffic management. He assured the state government’s full support in land acquisition, environmental clearances, and technical compliance.