Shillong, September 29: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, unveiled three National Highways (NH) projects valued at Rs 3,695 crore in Maharashtra, one of which will enhance connectivity between Maharashtra and Telangana.
As per IANS, speaking at the event in Washim, Maharashtra, the minister highlighted the significance of the 4-lane National Highway 161, which stretches from Akola in Maharashtra to Sangareddy in Telangana, in bolstering trade relations between the two states.
The first package, from Akola to Medshi (Rs 1,259 crore), includes 10 underpasses and 85 culverts.
The second package, from Medshi to Washim (Rs 1,394 crore), features 13 bus shelters, a 6-lane ROB, and the Washim city bypass.
The third package, from Pangre to Warangafata (Rs 1,042 crore), encompasses the main bridge over the Kayadhu river, Kalamanuri, and the Akhara-Balapur city bypass.
Gadkari emphasized that these projects will connect numerous important locations in Akola, Washim, Nanded, and Hingoli districts, making it easier to access religious and tourist destinations like Shegavche Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Akola Shahnoor Fort, Antriksh Jain Temple, Eighth Jyotirling Aundha-Naganath, Sant Namdev Maharaj Sansthan, Narsi, and Takht Sachkhand Gurudwara in Nanded.
Furthermore, these highways will promote business opportunities in both Telangana and Maharashtra, stimulating economic growth and generating employment. Gadkari also noted that under the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ scheme, the construction of Sadar National Highway 161 involved opening ponds in various villages, utilizing excavated soil and sand for highway construction. Over the past nine years, 227 km of highway network has been developed in Washim district, connecting Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.