The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated major safety measures to address dangerous stretches on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru section of NH-44. The authority has identified 33 black spots requiring urgent intervention to reduce accidents and fatalities.
The hazardous locations span from Kothur in Rangareddy district to Pullur Toll Plaza in Jogulamba Gadwal district, passing through Shamshabad. This stretch has witnessed alarming casualty figures, with approximately 220 people losing their lives annually.
Additionally, around 620 people suffer serious injuries and 1,400 sustain minor injuries on this highway every year. These statistics prompted action from the highest levels of government.
In 2018, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to conduct a comprehensive study of accidents occurring on this national highway. The ministry subsequently examined black spots across Rangareddy, Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, and Jogulamba Gadwal districts.
As part of the remedial measures, NHAI has approved the construction of six-row underpasses at three critical locations at an estimated cost of Rs 78.54 crore.
The proposed underpasses will be constructed at:
- Tatikonda in Mahabubnagar district – spanning 1.335 kilometers
- Kodandapuram in Jogulamba Gadwal district – extending 1.380 kilometers
- Manavapadu – covering 1.810 kilometers
Each location will see construction work exceeding one kilometer in length, designed to improve traffic flow and reduce accident risks at these notorious black spots.
Bridge construction work is currently underway at Balanagar in Mahabubnagar district. Meanwhile, local residents have raised demands for similar infrastructure at several other intersections including Peddayapalli, Malleboynapalli, Janampeta, Moosapet, Vemula, Kanimetta, Amadabakula, and Erravalli.
The comprehensive safety upgrade represents a significant investment in road infrastructure aimed at making the Hyderabad-Bangalore highway safer for thousands of daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
