Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Rs 3,695 crore NH projects in Washim

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari/ PIB

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, marked a significant milestone by inaugurating three National Highway (NH) projects worth Rs 3,695 Crore in Washim, Maharashtra. These projects are set to bolster connectivity and economic growth in the region.

Over the past nine years, Washim district has seen substantial development in its highway network, with a remarkable 227 km of highways constructed, linking the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. The inauguration of the 4-lane National Highway 161, spanning from Akola in Maharashtra to Sangareddy in Telangana, holds particular importance in strengthening trade relations between these two states, stated a release in PIB.

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The project is divided into three packages, each addressing different aspects of highway infrastructure. The first package covers the highway stretch from Akola to Medshi, spanning 48 km and costing Rs 1,259 crore. This section incorporates four air pools, 10 underpasses, and 85 culverts, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Moving on to the second package, it encompasses the road from Medshi to Washim, spanning 45 km and costing Rs 1,394 crore. This segment includes 13 bus shelters, a 6-lane Railway Overbridge (ROB), and a bypass for Washim city. These additions are expected to streamline transportation in the area.

The third package focuses on the stretch from Pangre to Warangafata, covering 42 km and costing Rs 1,042 crore. This section features significant infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of a main bridge over the Kayadhu River and bypasses for Kalamanuri and Akhara-Balapur city. These enhancements aim to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow.

According to the release, these highway projects hold the promise of connecting many vital locations across the Akola, Washim, Nanded, and Hingoli districts. Improved accessibility to religious and tourist destinations like the Shegavche Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Akola Shahnoor Fort, Antriksh Jain Temple, Eighth Jyotirling Aundha-Naganath, and the Sant Namdev Maharaj Sansthan in Nanded is anticipated.

Furthermore, the highway network is expected to foster business opportunities between Telangana and Maharashtra, thereby contributing to employment growth in the region.

It's noteworthy that the construction work for the Sadar National Highway 161, conducted under the 'Amrit Sarovar' scheme, involved the opening of ponds in several villages, including Savargaon Barde, Jhodga Khurd, Chivra, Amani, and Saikheda. The soil and sand obtained from these ponds were ingeniously repurposed for road construction.