The Vijayawada-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-65), a crucial artery connecting major cities, is facing significant challenges due to fundamental design flaws. This stretch, notorious for its sharp curves and steep inclines, has become a perilous route, frequently leading to accidents and traffic disruptions.
Recent events have exacerbated the issue, as heavy flooding over the past three days has rendered the highway nearly impassable, with numerous vehicles stranded due to submerged sections. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is under scrutiny for what critics describe as an ‘unscientific approach’ to the highway’s construction. Detailed maps provided by the district administrations of Nalgonda and Krishna (NTR), outlining streams, rivulets, and flood patterns, were reportedly overlooked. Instead, design decisions were heavily influenced by budget constraints, ignoring the region’s topographical and hydrological realities. The 2009 floods highlighted these shortcomings, washing away parts of the highway near Kesara bridge, which were later reconstructed without adequate provisions for flood management.
Former minister Vasantha Nageswara Rao has pointed out that critical areas, such as near Aithavaram, are still without essential infrastructure. Despite local demands for additional bridges to manage flooding, particularly for the Munneru, Katteleru, and Vaira Yeru streams, progress has been hindered by litigation between NH contractors and the central government. The highway has also been prone to disruptions at vulnerable points like Kodad and Nandigama during heavy rains, reflecting the need for comprehensive design revisions.
The Centre’s recent decision to widen the highway from four lanes to six and to amend alignments is a step in the right direction. However, stakeholders argue that any redesign must also address flooding concerns to enhance safety and reliability. As discussions continue, R&B Minister BC Janardhan Reddy has committed to engaging with NHAI authorities to ensure that future plans incorporate both traffic safety and flood management considerations.
