An inter-State delegation, comprising three MPs, called on Union Minister for Surface Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday, appealing to him to develop the national highway connecting Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu).

M. Gurumoorthy (Tirupati), Y.S. Avinash Reddy (Kadapa) and C.N. Annadurai (Tiruvannamalai) jointly forwarded the representation to the Union Minister, highlighting the need to develop the highway stretch, which, they said, would boost temple tourism by connecting spiritual centres like Tirupati, Kanipakam, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai.

The MPs also pointed out to the rise in footfall to the various shrines in the recent years and the heightened traffic witnessed in and around these places of tourist interest, and hence sought infrastructure upgrade commensurate with the rising vehicular movement.

The delegation insisted on the need for the Union Government to focus on bringing down the travel time as well as ensuring passenger safety on the highways. Mr. Gurumoorthy told reporters that Mr. Gadkari reacted positively to the proposal and offered to consider its feasibility immediately.

Published - August 12, 2026 08:39 pm IST