Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari today announced a Rs 16,500 crore highway package for Telangana. He announced that 1670 kilo meters of New National Highway projects will be developed in the state. The Minister was speaking to reporters on his arrival at Begumpet Airport, in Hyderabad today. Mr Gadkari said the Detailed Project Reports are under preparation for these new national highway projects while they are in progress with respect to 486 KM of national highways at a cost of Rs 5000 crore.<br/> <br/>The Minister announced two Express Highways benefiting Telangana state. Accordingly, 550 KM long Hyderabad-Bengaluru Express Highway will be taken up at a cost of Rs 8400 crore out of which 210 KM will be in Telangana. Further, 270 KM long Hyderabad-Vijayawada Express Highway will also be built at a cost of Rs 7600 crore. Mr Gadkari also announced that improvement of roads also will be taken up to a stretch of 104 KM in the state at a cost Rs 1000 crore.<br/>The Minister laid foundation stone to four-lining works for national highway for about 100 KMs between Warangal-Yadadri at a cost of Rs 1905 crore. Chief Minister Chandrasekhara Rao was also present for foundation stone laying ceremony for the works.