Hyderabad: The Khammam–Devarapalli Four-Lane Access-Controlled Greenfield Highway (NH-ANG) is nearing completion, promising a major boost to connectivity between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Once operational, the highway is expected to reduce travel time between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam by nearly four hours.

The project features a wide carriageway passing through green landscapes, solar-powered street lighting, and solar-enabled CCTV cameras capable of monitoring up to one kilometre. Equipped with advanced technological systems, the highway will immediately alert the control room in the event of an accident or any untoward incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually inaugurate the highway in May. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is making arrangements accordingly.

Project Background

The Centre approved the Khammam–Devarapalli Greenfield Highway under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I on May 23, 2018. Construction commenced in 2022.

The total stretch from Khammam to Devarapalli in Andhra Pradesh has been developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹4,451.87 crore. This is the first four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Approximately 552 hectares of land were acquired for the project from Khammam to the Telangana border. After four years of construction, the work has reached its final stage. One carriageway is expected to be opened by the end of March, while full-fledged traffic operations are likely to begin in May.

Travel Benefits

Currently, travel from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam via Suryapet and Vijayawada takes around 12 hours. With the new highway, the distance will be reduced by approximately 56 kilometres, cutting travel time by about four hours.

NHAI officials stated that the corridor will serve as a convenient alternative route for traffic between Telangana and key Andhra Pradesh cities such as Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam.

Advanced Safety and Monitoring Systems

The highway is being equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). CCTV cameras will be installed every two kilometres, using artificial intelligence to monitor approximately one kilometre on either side of the roadway.

In case of accidents or other incidents, alerts will be sent immediately to a command and control centre established near Kallur in Telangana. The project includes:

• Solar-powered street lighting

• Solar-powered CCTV surveillance systems

• Emergency exits at every five kilometres

• Distance-based toll collection system

Railway bridge construction is currently underway at Dansalapuram near Khammam city. Completion of this component is necessary before full commissioning of the highway.

In addition to median and interchange landscaping, tree plantation drives are being undertaken, and special artistic installations are planned along select stretches to enhance the corridor’s aesthetic appeal.