Gadkari Gives In-Principle Nod For NH-42 Bypasses In Andhra Pradesh

A.P. Finance Minister Keshav urges Union Minister Gadkari to build bypasses on NH-42

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has given in-principle approval for proposed bypasses and paved shoulders along National Highway-42 in Andhra Pradesh, according to an official release.

Request submitted for NH-42 stretch

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav met Mr. Gadkari in New Delhi and submitted a formal request for the works.

The request covers the 71.25 km stretch of NH-42 in Andhra Pradesh between the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border and Anantapur, from km 4/350 to km 75/600.

The stretch is currently a two-lane road passing through several densely populated administrative centres and residential areas.

Mr. Keshav highlighted that frequent accidents occur on the Anantapur-Bellary road because of sharp curves at village boundaries.

He also said the highway’s sharp bends and its passage through residential areas pose serious safety risks.

Ten accident-prone locations identified

Mr. Keshav informed Mr. Gadkari that 10 accident-prone locations had been identified along the route.

He requested the immediate construction of bypasses and the provision of paved shoulders at these specific points.

Although the road was widened to two lanes with paved shoulders during 2015, 16, no significant improvements were made to its alignment and no bypasses were constructed, according to the source.

The proposed works therefore seek changes at locations where the highway continues to pass through populated areas and sharp bends.

Route through Anantapur district

NH-42 passes through the Anantapur district headquarters and the Uravakonda constituency headquarters.

It also runs through the mandals of Uravakonda, Kudair and Vidapanakal, as well as 15 villages.

The highway was upgraded from a State highway to a National highway, designated NH-42, in 2010.

The route begins at Joladarasi in Karnataka on NH-67 and passes through Uravakonda, Anantapur, Raptadu, Kadiri, Palamaner and Kuppam.

It terminates at Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu on NH-48.

The Union Minister’s in-principle approval places the requested bypasses and paved shoulders on the proposed works list, the official release added.

Source: The Hindu