NHAI begins survey for 43-km elevated corridor to Srisailam; night travel could become possible

The survey, being conducted under the supervision of the Forest Department, is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026. The proposed corridor aims to provide an alternative to the existing winding ghat road passing through the forested Nallamala region.

One of the project's most significant potential benefits is the possibility of enabling devotees to travel to Srisailam during nighttime hours. Currently, restrictions on vehicular movement through designated forest stretches affect travel schedules, particularly for pilgrims arriving from distant locations.

The proposed elevated corridor could reduce dependence on the existing ghat road, improve travel convenience and provide a more predictable route for pilgrims visiting the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The project is also expected to improve connectivity between Srisailam and other parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, potentially benefiting tourism, pilgrimage-related businesses and local economic activity.

However, the proposed alignment passes through an ecologically sensitive region associated with the Nallamala forests and the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Environmental safeguards, wildlife protection measures and statutory forest clearances are therefore expected to be crucial considerations before construction can proceed.

The ongoing survey will help authorities assess the proposed alignment and technical feasibility. The project's final design, estimated cost, construction schedule and environmental approvals have yet to be confirmed.

If approved and implemented, the 43-km elevated corridor could significantly transform access to Srisailam, particularly by creating the possibility of safer and more convenient travel beyond the existing restricted hours.