₹6,792 Crore Hyderabad–Vijayawada Highway Upgrade
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited bids for the six-laning of a 181.30-km section of National Highway-65 (NH-65) between Hyderabad and Vijayawada. The proposed highway upgrade is estimated at ₹6,792.52 crore and will be implemented under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode. The project covers an important road corridor connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and is planned to increase highway capacity and improve connectivity along the route.
The tender covers the Hyderabad–Vijayawada section of NH-65 from chainage 39.85 to chainage 221.15 under Package-1. The total project length is 181.30 km, extending across the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The existing highway is planned to be upgraded to a six-lane configuration, with the project involving rehabilitation and widening works as well as construction and improvement of associated highway infrastructure.
According to the tender information, the estimated project cost is ₹6,792.52 crore. The tender was issued by NHAI in September 2026, and eligible private entities and consortia can participate in the bidding process. The bid submission deadline is November 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM, while the bids are scheduled to be opened on November 25, 2026, at 11:30 AM. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
The project will be executed under the BOT model. Under this arrangement, the selected concessionaire will be responsible for activities including design, engineering, financing, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the project highway, subject to the terms of the concession agreement. The stipulated construction period for the project is 910 days.
The scope of work extends beyond simply adding lanes to the existing highway. Project documents provide for rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing carriageway, construction of new pavement and rehabilitation of existing pavement. The project also includes construction or rehabilitation of major and minor bridges, culverts, road intersections, interchanges and drainage infrastructure. These components are intended to support the expanded highway and its long-term operation.
The proposed six-laning forms part of the broader development of the Hyderabad–Vijayawada–Machilipatnam corridor on NH-65. Government appraisal documents have divided the larger corridor development into multiple packages. Package-1 covers 181.30 km between chainages 39.85 and 221.15, while Package-2 covers a further 45 km toward Vijayawada. A separate Package-3 covers approximately 59.695 km between Vijayawada and Machilipatnam. The Hyderabad–Vijayawada packages are planned under the BOT (Toll) model, while the Vijayawada–Machilipatnam package is planned under the Hybrid Annuity Model.
For the Hyderabad–Vijayawada Package-1, the project documentation identifies several structures and road improvements as part of the proposed development. These include major and minor bridges, culverts, vehicle underpasses, pedestrian or cattle underpasses, junction improvements and service or slip roads. The planned infrastructure is intended to accommodate the requirements of a higher-capacity six-lane highway while improving access and movement along the corridor.
The proposed upgrade is significant for the road transportation network connecting Hyderabad and Vijayawada. NH-65 serves as an important inter-state corridor between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, carrying passenger and commercial traffic between the two regions. Increasing the highway from four lanes to six lanes is intended to provide additional carriageway capacity as traffic demand grows.
For the construction and infrastructure industry, the project also represents a sizeable opportunity across civil construction, road machinery, aggregates, asphalt and bituminous works, structures, drainage, traffic management and highway maintenance. The implementation of the project will involve multiple construction activities and supporting infrastructure over the 181.30-km corridor.
At present, the project is at the tendering stage. Construction will proceed after completion of the bidding process, evaluation of proposals and appointment of the successful concessionaire in accordance with the tender and concession framework. Therefore, the project should be viewed as an upcoming highway development rather than a project already under construction.
With an estimated value of ₹6,792.52 crore and a planned six-lane upgrade over 181.30 km, the Hyderabad–Vijayawada NH-65 Package-1 is a major road infrastructure development currently moving through the procurement process. Its progress will be closely relevant to contractors, road construction companies, equipment suppliers, logistics operators and other stakeholders across the infrastructure sector.