Mon Jan 12 14:24:50 UTC 2026: ### Highway Expansion in West Godavari Gets Green Light, Tenders to be Invited in February
The Story:
Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma, announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, that tenders for the expansion of the 45-kilometre-long National Highway-165 (NH-165) from Akiveedu to Digamarru in the West Godavari district will be invited in February. The project, which requires the acquisition of approximately 172 hectares of land, has reportedly cleared all hurdles, with farmers consenting to the land acquisition process.
Mr. Varma also addressed the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM-G), formerly known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), highlighting the benefits of the new 60-day annual work holiday policy for crop harvesting.
Key Points:
- Tenders for the expansion of National Highway-165 from Akiveedu to Digamarru will be invited in February 2026.
- The highway expansion covers a distance of 45 kilometres within the West Godavari district.
- Approximately 172 hectares of land will be acquired for the project, spanning six mandals.
- Farmers have reportedly given their consent for the land acquisition.
- The Union Minister addressed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM-G) and its 60-day work holiday policy.
Key Takeaways:
- Infrastructure development projects in rural areas are progressing with government support.
- Farmer consent is a crucial factor in the timely execution of such projects.
- The Viksit Bharat mission and related employment schemes continue to be a focus for the government.
- The integration of work policies with agricultural needs is being considered.
First Piper 