Gadkari assures two national highways for Araku

Visakhapatnam: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday reiterated that two national highways are under construction for connecting Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh.

One is from Pendurthi near Visakhapatnam to Bowdara via Sringavarapukota through NH-516B and 2 and the second is from Bowdara to Araku through NH-516E.

Replying to a question raised by BJP Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao in the Upper House, Gadkari said presently, the Bowdara-Araku section is under defect-liability period. A detailed project report is being prepared to develop the section further.

Further, the union minister said four-laning from Pendurthi to Bowdara via Sringavarapukota has been included in the 2022–23 Annual Plan.

MP Narasimha Rao said the two national highway stretches under construction will boost tourism by improving the connectivity between Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley.

The highways will also ensure economic development of the S. Kota assembly region under the Visakhapatnam parliamentary constituency, the MP added.