MPs urge Gadkari to develop Tirupati–Tiruvannamalai highway for temple tourism boost
An inter-State delegation of three Members of Parliament on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, seeking immediate development of the national highway connecting Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The delegation, comprising M. Gurumoorthy (Tirupati), Y.S. Avinash Reddy (Kadapa), and C.N. Annadurai (Tiruvannamalai), jointly submitted a representation to the Minister, emphasising the need for infrastructure upgradation along the stretch.
The highway is seen as a vital corridor linking several important spiritual centres, including Tirupati, Kanipakam, Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai. The MPs pointed out that these temples have witnessed a steady rise in devotees in recent years, leading to increased vehicular movement in and around these places. They argued that the existing road infrastructure is insufficient to handle the growing traffic, causing inconvenience to pilgrims and other commuters.
In their representation, the MPs stressed the importance of reducing travel time and ensuring passenger safety on the highway. They urged the Union Government to prioritise this stretch for upgrade, noting that better connectivity would not only ease travel for devotees but also spur economic activity in the region. The delegation highlighted that two southern States—Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu—would benefit from improved road links, fostering regional cooperation and tourism.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Gurumoorthy said that Mr. Gadkari responded positively to the proposal and assured that the feasibility of the project would be examined promptly. The positive response, he said, gave hope that the long-pending demand of the people in the region would finally be addressed.
The demand for developing this highway comes amid a broader push by the Central Government to expand and modernise national highways across the country. Several stretches in southern India have been taken up for widening and strengthening under various phases of the National Highways Development Project. However, specific corridors linking pilgrimage sites often require special attention, given their seasonal peaks in traffic and the need for safer travel options.
Local residents and transport operators have often complained about the poor condition of some sections of the road, especially during the monsoon season. Potholes, narrow stretches, and lack of proper lighting have been cited as safety concerns. The MPs’ intervention is expected to bring these issues to the forefront and accelerate the approval process for the project.
The proposed highway is not only a matter of religious significance but also has strategic importance for regional connectivity. It could potentially serve as an alternative route for freight movement between the two States, reducing congestion on existing national highways. Moreover, improved infrastructure is likely to attract more tourists, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses along the route.
The delegation expressed confidence that with the Union Minister’s assurance, the project would soon receive the necessary clearances. They also indicated that they would continue to follow up with the Ministry to ensure that the work is completed in a time-bound manner. The development of the Tirupati–Tiruvannamalai highway, once realised, is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of daily commuters and pilgrims alike.
