GUNTUR: In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure and accessibility, the Centre has approved the conversion of an existing entry ramp on National Highway 16 into a fully operational exit ramp, providing direct access to AIIMS Mangalagiri. The move is expected to significantly reduce travel time to the hospital, particularly for emergency services.
Until now, patients and ambulances had to navigate a 4.66 km detour from the highway to reach the premier medical facility.
With the new exit ramp, the distance will be shortened to just 1.26 km—a development hailed as life-saving by medical professionals and the public alike. Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, who announced the decision, described it as a transformative step for healthcare delivery in the region. “This isn’t just about saving time—it’s about saving lives,” he stated. “For ambulances and critically ill patients, every minute counts.”
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also cleared the installation of 13 directional signboards at three strategic points along NH-16 to guide vehicles towards AIIMS Mangalagiri. The signboards aim to reduce confusion for first-time visitors, especially those from rural areas, and improve traffic flow towards the hospital.
He expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari for swiftly approving the proposal, and acknowledged Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan for their developmental vision. He credited their leadership for prioritising improved public service access in the fast-growing Amaravati capital region.
The development has been widely welcomed as a people-centric reform. Healthcare professionals have noted that the improved access will facilitate faster emergency responses, enhance patient outcomes, and ease the operational burden on AIIMS.
As Mangalagiri evolves into a major healthcare and administrative hub, the new infrastructure marks a vital step in building efficient and accessible public services.