Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh), Mar 12 (TNT): Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu, who met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Thursday, sought early clearance for several pending road infrastructure projects in Srikakulam district.
Naidu’s camp office here, Naidu requested the expansion of National Highway 16 from Narasannapeta to Itchapuram into a six-lane highway, according to a release issued by the Union Minister’s camp office here.
The proposed stretch is about 100 km long and is witnessing increasing traffic due to rapid development along the corridor.
Naidu said the ongoing development of Mulapeta Port and the growth of towns along the highway have significantly increased vehicular movement, making the six-lane expansion necessary to ease congestion and improve connectivity.
He also pointed out that existing flyovers along the nearly 109-km stretch have already been designed for six lanes.
Naidu further urged the construction of a flyover or underpass at the busy Navabharat Junction in Srikakulam town to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents.
He also requested the Centre to upgrade the Kalingapatnam–Srikakulam–Parvathipuram road (145 km) and the Alikam–Battili road (118 km) from state highways to national highways.
In addition, he suggested a minor change in the design of the proposed Pathapatnam flyover so that the Neelamani Durga Temple remains visible to commuters passing over the bridge.
Gadkari , who responded positively to the requests, directed officials of the ministry to conduct ground-level studies and submit reports on the proposals.
The two ministers also discussed the need for strengthening road infrastructure in rapidly developing regions.
TNT KM
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