Minister Keshav sought a bypass covering the Uravakonda constituency and 15 villages.

Anantapur: Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to sanction the construction of bypasses and paved shoulders on National Highway-42.

During a meeting in Delhi, the Minister submitted a formal proposal covering the Uravakonda constituency, Kudair and Vidapanakal mandals, and 15 surrounding villages.

Minister Keshav pointed out that the 71.25-kilometer stretch from the Karnataka border to Anantapur (km 4/350 to 75/600) currently operates as a two-lane road with unimproved horizontal and vertical curves.

Although upgraded to a national highway in 2010 and widened in 2015-16, the route lacks adequate geometry and bypasses, running directly through densely populated residential areas.

Because sharp bends at village boundaries have triggered frequent traffic accidents, ten specific accident-prone blackspots have been officially identified along the route. Responding positively to the appeal, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari granted in-principle approval for the immediate construction of bypasses and paved shoulders.

This infrastructure initiative is expected to significantly enhance commuter safety, reduce accident rates, and transform regional connectivity across the Anantapur district.