Nitin Gadkari to launch highway, waterway projects in Andhra

In what could be seen as an attempt to assuage an uneasy ally in Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, the Centre is set to roll out a host of highway and waterways projects in the state.

Union Minister for Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate highway projects worth Rs 1,928.46 crore in Andhra on October 3, and also lay stone for highway projects worth Rs 2,540 crore.

"The projects include rehabilitation and upgradation of existing National Highways, besides construction of a 4-lane bypass to Vijayanagaram Town on NH 43 (New NH 26)," the release stated. The release added that about 415 km of National Highways would be inaugurated by the minister and he will lay the foundation for another 250 km NH.

Gadkari will also lay stone for the development of Muktyala to Vijaywada stretch of Krishna River (National Waterways - 4), an official statement said.

It is proposed to be developed in three phases - Muktyala to Vijayawada (Krishna River) (82 Km), Vijayawada to Kakinada (Eluru canal & Kakinada canal) and Rajahmundry to Polavaram stretch of Godavari (233 Km) and Commamur Canal, Buckingham canal and balance stretches of Krishna & Godavari Rivers (573km).

Work on the development of the 82 km from Muktiyala to Vijayawada stretch has already started.

The dredging began in the shallow areas in May this year, and the work is expected to be complete by June, 2019.

National Waterway No 4 was declared in November, 2008 for a total length of 1078 km. This length was extended to 2890 km by NW Act-2016.