Hyderabad- Vijayawada in 2.5 hours: ₹10,391 Cr NH-65 six-lane project put on fast-track

Hyderabad: The long and often congested road journey between Hyderabad and Vijayawada is set for a major transformation.

Telangana has put the ₹10,391 crore NH-65 six-lane expansion project on the fast track. The project will cover a 231-km stretch linking Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, significantly improving one of the busiest inter-state corridors in the region.

In 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the existing four-lane NH-65 into a six-lane highway, a project aimed at reducing travel time by nearly two hours. Once completed, commuters could cover the distance in just 2.5 to 3 hours, compared to the present average of 4.5 to 5 hours.

Why NH-65 matters

NH-65 serves as the primary road link between Hyderabad and Vijayawada, passing through Nalgonda, Suryapet, Kodad, and Nandigama. Nearly 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles use this route daily. The numbers swell sharply during festivals such as Sankranti, when thousands travel to their native places in Andhra Pradesh.

Although a direct flight between the two cities takes about an hour, the time spent reaching the airport, completing check-in formalities, and onward travel makes the total journey nearly comparable to road travel. As a result, a majority of travelers continue to prefer NH-65 despite heavy traffic.

What expansion will deliver

The expansion will widen the existing four-lane highway into six lanes along the 231-km stretch. Service roads will be constructed across most sections, something largely missing at present. Bypass roads are also planned in towns with populations exceeding 50,000 to ease congestion and avoid land acquisition hurdles.

The project cost includes land acquisition, shifting of utilities, tree relocation, and construction of service lanes. Importantly, officials have clarified that traffic will not be completely halted during construction. Work will begin with service roads and gradual widening of the main carriageway, ensuring uninterrupted vehicular movement.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will oversee execution, with the project fully funded by the Centre. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed, and tenders are underway. The construction timeline is estimated at two years once work formally begins, likely divided into two or three packages.

Persistent push from Telangana

Telangana Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has been actively pursuing the project with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Their working relationship dates back to Komatireddy’s tenure as Bhongir MP between 2018 and 2023, during which he secured multiple road projects for Telangana. Now, as R&B Minister, he has intensified follow-up efforts to fast-track the NH-65 expansion. Currently in New Delhi for the AICC review on Telangana, he is seeking another meeting with Gadkari to push for expedited implementation.

The Minister has made it clear that his objective is to bring down Hyderabad–Vijayawada road travel time to just 2.5 hours, potentially making it the fastest mode of travel between the two cities, ahead of flights and trains.

Forging connection with Greater Hyderabad voters

A significant section of Greater Hyderabad’s population traces its roots to Andhra Pradesh and frequently travels along NH-65 to reach their native districts. For these families, the highway is more than a transit route — it is a lifeline connecting them to their hometowns.

Politically, Greater Hyderabad has remained a stronghold of the BRS since the formation of Telangana, and the Congress struggled in the 2023 Assembly elections. However, recent by-election victories in Secunderabad Cantonment and Jubilee Hills have helped the party regain some urban ground.

If the six-lane expansion is completed ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, the project could emerge as a key infrastructure achievement for the Congress government. A seamless 2.5-hour road journey to Vijayawada may not only redefine inter-state connectivity but also reshape political equations in Greater Hyderabad.