Centre Clears Link Road Project Near Naidupeta

Nellore: Residents of several villages near Naidupeta are set to get relief after the Centre approved the construction of a connecting road at LA Sagaram to restore connectivity affected by the six-laning of National Highway-71.

The project was cleared following representations made by Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy to the Union ministry of road transport and highways after villagers and residents of Avani Apartment highlighted the difficulties caused by the absence of a service road.

Residents of Mandabayalu, Karumanchivari Khandriga, Kanuru, Talavayapadu Harijanawada and Avani Apartment had complained that although a box bridge was constructed near LA Sagaram, lack of a connecting road had cut off direct access to Naidupeta town. As a result, students, farmers and other residents were compelled to travel an additional three kilometres to reach their destinations.

Following the MP’s representation to Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari in February, the ministry directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to examine the issue. During an inspection on April 12, NHAI officials found that a traditional cart track used by villagers between Km 54.800 and Km 55.100 had been disrupted due to the highway expansion works.

In a communication to the MP, Union minister of state for road transport and highways Ajay Tamta stated that construction had commenced on a nearly 550-metre connecting road from Km 54.398 near Avani Apartment to the box bridge at Km 54.800. The road is expected to restore access to Naidupeta town and facilitate safer movement for local residents.

Officials said the new link road would reduce risky cross-movements on the highway, improve road safety and significantly cut travel time for villagers dependent on Naidupeta for education, agriculture, business and other daily needs.

Welcoming the decision, Gurumoorthy said the Centre’s response reflected its commitment to addressing public grievances. He assured residents that he would continue to pursue infrastructure and connectivity issues with the Centre and in Parliament.