3rd August 2025
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, declared that Andhra Pradesh’s roads will match American standards within two years. Speaking at an event in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, alongside Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, where he laid the foundation for 27 road projects and inaugurated two completed ones worth ₹5,233 crore, Gadkari emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to infrastructure-driven economic growth. He noted that the National Highways under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have expanded by 120%, from 4,000 km in 2014 to 8,700 km in 2025.
Nitin Gadkari highlighted that improved road infrastructure has reduced logistics costs from 16% to 10%, with a further drop to 9% expected by December, potentially doubling exports and creating jobs. He also mentioned that these projects will enhance last-mile connectivity in rural and tribal areas, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision.
The Minister announced plans to upgrade the Vijayawada-Hyderabad road to a six-lane highway and construct an expressway to cut travel time between the cities to two hours. He praised the Andhra Pradesh government’s efforts in green hydrogen and green energy. The new projects will also strengthen connectivity with Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Naidu thanked Gadkari, noting that under his leadership, 37 km of roads are built daily across India.