Union Minister Pemmasani Calls on Gadkari for Immediate Action on Guntur Bypass Traffic Crisis
During a press conference on May 12, 2026, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways P. Pemmasani urged senior cabinet colleague Nitin Gadkari to fast‑track solutions for the chronic congestion on the Guntur‑Bapatla bypass in Andhra Pradesh. Pemmasani highlighted a sharp rise in road accidents over the past six months, attributing the danger to inadequate infrastructure and poor traffic management.
The bypass, part of the national highway network, was upgraded in 2022 to handle increasing freight traffic between the state’s agricultural hubs. However, rapid urban expansion and stalled ancillary projects have left bottlenecks, prompting local businesses to demand government intervention.
According to The Hindu, Pemmasani cited police data showing a 27 % increase in vehicular collisions since January 2026. He also referenced a recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, which recommended adding intelligent traffic‑signal systems and widening lane capacity. Gadkari’s office, quoted by The Times of India, confirmed that a feasibility review is underway and that a Central Funding Committee will meet next month.
Transport analysts suggest the Guntur bypass issue reflects broader challenges in India’s infrastructure push, where funding gaps and land‑acquisition delays hamper project delivery. Dr. Ramesh Sharma, senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, warned that without prompt remedial measures, the region could see a surge in economic losses and public safety incidents.
The next step includes a joint ministerial meeting scheduled for late May, after which the Ministry plans to release a detailed action plan. Stakeholders will monitor budget allocations in the upcoming Union Budget and any fast‑track approvals for the proposed expansions.