Summary
Telangana Minister Pushes for Highway Upgrades and Infrastructure Development In a significant move to enhance Telangana’s infrastructure, Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy met with Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on June 24. Reddy proposed converting 16 state highways into national highways, emphasizing the importance of this upgrade for economic growth and connectivity. He also highlighted delays in key projects, such as the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway and the Uppal-Ghatkesar flyover, urging expedited completion to prevent accidents and improve safety. Additionally, Reddy pushed for the advancement of the Regional Ring Road (RRR) project, which had faced bureaucratic delays. During his visit, Reddy also met with other Union ministers to discuss further infrastructure needs, including forest clearances for road construction. These discussions underscore the state’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges and enhancing its transport network.
Telangana Minister Pushes for Highway Upgrades and Infrastructure Development
Telangana Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, met with Union Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, to discuss vital road infrastructure projects and funding requirements. The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on upgrading state highways to national highways and accelerating the progress of several delayed projects.
Request for Conversion of State Highways
Minister Venkat Reddy proposed the conversion of 16 state highways in Telangana into national highways. He emphasized the importance of this upgrade, seeking national highway (NH) status and numbers for these roads. This move aims to enhance connectivity and support economic growth in the state.
Hyderabad-Vijayawada Highway Delay
Addressing the media after the meeting, Reddy highlighted the delay in converting the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway into a six-lane highway. The delay, attributed to the election code, has led to numerous accidents. “GMR company was supposed to take over the toll road project and finish it by 2024, but they have failed to complete the work due to various factors. As a result, many accidents are happening daily, and people are dying. Therefore, I pleaded with the Union minister to expedite the completion of the project as soon as possible,” Reddy stated.
Uppal-Ghatkesar Flyover
Reddy also urged Gadkari to fast-track the construction of the Uppal-Ghatkesar flyover, a project lingering for the past four years. Responding to this request, Gadkari directed the authorities to terminate the existing contract and issue new tenders to ensure the project’s timely completion.
Regional Ring Road (RRR) Project
The minister underscored the significance of the Regional Ring Road (RRR) project in Telangana. The RRR project faced a temporary halt due to the previous government’s refusal to pay utility charges. However, with the Congress party now in power, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the speaker have committed to covering these charges, allowing the project to progress. “The RRR project was temporarily put on hold when the previous government informed the central government that it would not pay the utility charges. However, when the Congress party came into power, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the speaker sent a letter to the central government stating that they would pay the utility charges. This allowed the RRR project to move forward again,” Reddy explained.
Meetings with Other Union Ministers
During his visit to Delhi, Reddy also met with Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar. Further meetings with Union Coal Minister, G. Kishan Reddy, and Union Environment and Forest Minister, Bhupendra Singh, are scheduled to seek forest clearances for road construction projects.
Analysis and Perspectives
The discussions highlight the critical need for infrastructure development in Telangana, particularly in upgrading road connectivity. The conversion of state highways into national highways will not only improve transportation but also boost economic activities. The urgency in completing delayed projects like the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway and the Uppal-Ghatkesar flyover underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in its transport network.
Moreover, the revival of the RRR project reflects a strategic push towards comprehensive regional development. The willingness of the current administration to bear utility costs demonstrates a pragmatic approach to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and advancing key infrastructure projects.
Minister Venkat Reddy’s proactive engagement with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and other central authorities is a significant step towards addressing Telangana’s infrastructure challenges. The proposed upgrades and accelerated project timelines promise to bring substantial benefits to the state’s economy and the safety of its road users. As these projects move forward, they will likely play a pivotal role in shaping Telangana’s transport landscape and supporting its growth ambitions.
