Article Today, Hyderabad:
Travelers between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam will soon have a faster road option comparable to the Vande Bharat Express. At present, the semi-high-speed train takes about eight and a half hours for the journey. With the new highway, passengers travelling by car or bus can reach Visakhapatnam in just eight hours, saving nearly four hours compared with the existing 12-hour road journey.
Greenfield Highway in Final Stages
The new 162-km greenfield national highway between Khammam and Devarapalli is being built at a cost of Rs.4,609 crore. Construction has entered the final phase and the road is expected to open by January, ahead of the Sankranti festival. The route passes through Khammam and Suryapet districts, reducing the overall Hyderabad–Visakhapatnam distance by 125 km.
Designed for High Speed
The highway has been designed for vehicles to travel at speeds up to 100 km per hour. It includes only 11 exit points between Khammam and Devarapalli to ensure smooth traffic flow. Once operational, travellers will not have to pass through Vijayawada. Instead, they can move via Khammam and Sathupalli directly to Devarapalli junction, and from there proceed towards Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam.
Economic and Travel Benefits
Officials noted that the new route will save not only time but also fuel. Cars, buses, and heavy goods vehicles will be able to move more efficiently, boosting trade and transport between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The current route, often congested and riddled with potholes, has slowed down passenger and freight movement. The new highway is expected to ease these constraints and enhance connectivity between the two major cities.
Boost to Regional Connectivity
With reduced travel time and distance, the highway is likely to strengthen economic links between Hyderabad and the coastal belt. Transporters expect significant savings in operational costs, while passengers look forward to a smoother and faster journey. The corridor is also expected to decongest existing highways, offering long-term relief to both passenger and freight traffic.
