Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta reiterated his commitment to transform Kurnool into a smart city and added that measures were being taken to resolve the traffic woes in the city as part of this.

Mr. Bharath, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, participated in various development programmes in the city. He inaugurated the newly-constructed SAP Camp road, which was constructed to alleviate traffic congestion at the Ballari crossroads. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister mentioned that all necessary measures to control traffic in the city were being implemented in a phased manner. He said that the work to widen the turn near Budhavarapet Medical College was completed and that the road widening works from Kids World to Kalluru Darwaza would commence soon.

The Minister explained that the bypass road, constructed at a cost of ₹1.55 crore behind Anjaneya Swamy temple at Ballari Junction, provides an alternative route for vehicles traveling from the Hyderabad towards the bus stand. He noted that the necessary permissions were obtained quickly through the coordination of the APSP 2nd Battalion officials and the police department.

He added that the Municipal Corporation successfully completed the road construction while adhering to high-quality standards. The Minister stated that developing alternative routes was essential to keep pace with the ever-increasing vehicular traffic and added that the opening of the bypass road would not only reduce traffic congestion at the junction but also save travel time for the public.

Speaking on the occasion, Municipal Commissioner Challa Obulesu said that two shops were removed and reconstructed elsewhere as part of the project. Additionally, ₹69.50 lakh from general funds was spent on constructing a ‘Goshala’ (cow shelter) and a compound wall. The Commissioner revealed that ₹85 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission funds was utilised for the construction of the road and drainage canals on both sides.

The Minister also inaugurated a food donation programme organised by the Sher Shah Suri Charitable Trust near the government hospital and planted saplings at the government hospital. He distributed fruits to the patients at the eye hospital and also inaugurated a blood donation camp at City Square Mall.

Published - August 05, 2026 08:45 pm IST