Anantapur MP Ambica Lakshminarayana has urged Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to expedite various works related to national highways in the district.The MP submitted representation to Mr. Gadkari on various issues pertaining to development of road connectivity in the district, including expansion of National Highways, and construction of service roads, link roads, and underpasses.Mr. Lakshminarayana sought priority to be given to expansion of Hyderabad–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-44). He said that the NH-44 connecting Hyderabad and Bengaluru is one of the busiest national highways in the country and explained that traffic congestion and accidents frequently occur on this route as the volume of traffic exceeds its capacity.Although detailed project reports (DPRs) for widening the road were prepared in the past, work has not yet commenced, the MP said and requested the immediate granting of administrative and financial sanctions so that expansion work could begin on a priority basis. The MP requested Mr. Gadkari to expedite the tendering process for the Gooty-Guntakal National Highway and initiate the work as soon as possible.He said that local residents are facing severe difficulties due to the absence of a service road along a stretch of approximately 750 metres from the Sakshi office underpass to the Prasannayapalli underpass within Anantapur town limits. He explained that this situation increases the risk of accidents, as people are forced to cross the main highway. Similarly, the MP suggested that the proposed vehicular underpass at Prasannayapalli be relocated from its currently designated site to a spot near the main crossroads.Mr. Lakshminarayana also urged the Central government to sanction funds for the construction of an “East Bypass” connecting NH-44, NH-42, and NH-544D, aiming for a permanent solution to Anantapur city’s traffic issues. The proposal involves connecting the Anantapur–Tadipatri road with the Anantapur–Chennai road which would enable the diversion of cement lorries and other heavy transport vehicles away from the city center reducing traffic congestion and improving transportation efficiency.The MP said his primary objective is to provide safe and modern transportation facilities to the people of the Anantapur parliamentary constituency. He expressed optimism that the Central government would favorably consider these proposals and take immediate action as the implementation of these projects would provide a permanent solution to traffic issues in Anantapur city, improve commuting facilities for the public, and pave the way for industrial, commercial, and economic development. Published - August 08, 2026 04:54 pm IST