Gadkari approves ₹840-cr upgradation of Godavari riverside highway ahead of Pushkarams

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has approved the upgradation of a 45.09-km stretch of National Highway 365BB along the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh at a revised cost of ₹840.41 crore. The project covers the Buttaigudem–LND Peta and Pattiseema–Kovvur sections, which will be developed as a two-lane road with paved shoulders.

Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari announced the approval on Wednesday (August 28, 2026), stating that the road would significantly improve connectivity in the region. The highway runs along the Godavari and passes through LND Peta and Pattiseema, linking the Kovvur-Polavaram area to Rajamahendravaram.

The approval follows an appeal made by Ms. Purandeswari in April 2026, who had urged the Union Minister to take up the upgradation keeping in mind the massive influx of devotees expected for the Godavari Pushkarams. According to official estimates, around eight crore people are likely to visit the river for the holy festival. The improved road is also expected to benefit tribal pockets and provide better access to the Polavaram irrigation project.

In a post on X, Mr. Gadkari said the project has been approved at a cost of ₹840.41 crore. “In Andhra Pradesh, we have approved ₹840.41 crore for the upgradation of the 45.09-km Buttaigudem–LND Peta and Pattiseema–Kovvur sections of NH-365BB to 2-lane with paved shoulders configuration. The project will significantly improve connectivity to the Polavaram Irrigation Project and surrounding villages,” he wrote.

Highlighting the benefits, the Union Minister said the upgraded highway would enable faster, safer and more efficient movement of agricultural produce to markets. “Improved road infrastructure will enable faster, safer and more efficient movement of agricultural produce to markets, strengthening farm-to-market linkages and supporting local livelihoods. It will provide better access to important ghats along the Godavari, which attract devotees and visitors for holy baths and trips to the Polavaram Dam,” he added.

The highway is also expected to improve connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Once the road is commissioned, the route plans of the police and transport departments for the Godavari Pushkarams will be revised to monitor vehicular movements more effectively.

Ms. Purandeswari thanked Mr. Gadkari for approving the project and claimed that the road would be laid before the commencement of the Godavari Pushkarams. The project is part of broader efforts to upgrade infrastructure in the region, which has long faced connectivity challenges due to the river's topography and the presence of tribal areas.

The approval comes at a critical time as the state prepares for the Pushkarams, which are expected to draw millions of pilgrims. The enhanced road network is seen as a crucial step in ensuring smooth traffic flow and safety for visitors.