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APHC010533752026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH Bench Sr.No:-

AT AMARAVATI [3584]

WP(PIL) NO: 235 of 2026 Govardhana Girishwara Devasthnam Trust ...Petitioner(s)

and another Vs.

Union Of India and Others ...Respondent(s)

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CORAM : T HE CHIEF JUSTICE LISA GILL SRI JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN DATE : 8^th October 2026 Present :

Advocate for Petitioner(s): Mr. Patanjali Pamidighantam Advocate(s) for Respondent(s): Mr. Thandava Yogesh, Standing Counsel for NHAI LISA GILL, CJ:

Present writ petition has been filed by Govardhana Girishwara Devasthnam Trust purportedly in public interest with following prayer:

“..issue appropriate writ order or direction more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of Respondent Nos. 1 to 3 and 9 in proceeding with and finalizing the Interchange at KM 86 + 180 of NH-716B near Appalaraju Kandriga, Sankarapuram, Karur, without duly considering the alternative location at KM 83.000 / KM 83.200 at Govardhanagiri Limited Vertical Underpass (LVUP) (Limited Vertical Underpass Junction), as arbitrary, unreasonable and contrary to the principles of fair and informed administrative decision-making and consequently direct the respondent Authorities:

a) to undertake a detailed comparative technical, traffic, environmental, social and financial feasibility study of the proposed locations at KM 83.000 / KM 83.200 (Govardhanagiri Limited Vertical Underpass (LVUP) Junction) and KM 86 + 180 (Sankarapuram, Appalaraju Kandriga);

b) to conduct an on-site inspection through a competent Committee comprising appropriate representatives of NHAI and the concerned departments, and to examine the feasibility of the alternative alignment at KM

83.000 / KM 83.200 ;

c) to consider the availability and voluntary offer of land by local landowners the extent of displacement of existing habitation proximity to forest areas river-crossing requirements, estimated project cost, traffic utility, emergency connectivity and connectivity to NH-716A and other important destinations;

d) to obtain and verify all statutory environmental forest permissions and clearances, wherever applicable, before undertaking any work having an impact upon forest land or protected ecological areas;

e) to pass a reasoned and speaking order upon the representations submitted by the Petitioners and other affected members of the public; f) upon such comparative assessment and subject to technical feasibility and statutory approvals to take an appropriate decision regarding establishment of an Interchange at KM 83.000 / KM 83.200 (Govardhanagiri Limited Vertical Underpass (LVUP) Junction) in accordance with law..”

2. It is submitted that respondent National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken development of six-lane greenfield Chittoor-Thatchur Highway forming part of NH 716-B as an access controlled corridor intended to provide improved connectivity between Chittoor region and Thatchur/Chennai and surrounding industrial and port infrastructure. Project provides for various grade-separated structures, underpasses, interchanges and other access facilities at identified locations. It is stated that alternative location suggested by petitioners for interchange has potential significance for connectivity between Sri City SEZ, Satish Dhawan Space Center SHAR, Sriharikota besides other industrial and commercial destinations.

3. Furthermore, this alternative location suggested by petitioner in Tirupati District shall provide a shorter, direct and convenient route to surrounding population, pilgrims, tourists, industrial commuters, transporters and general public instead of compelling them to undertake longer and circuitous journeys.

It shall also facilitate better movement between NH 716, NH 716-B, NH 716-A and NH-16, thus improving regional and interstate connectivity. It is further submitted that petitioners, who are landowners in vicinity of proposed alternative location, are ready and willing to ma