[joshguy]

Hi Can anyone let me know the status of the road now?

Planning a trip in October from Chennai to Mantralayam.

Which is the best route and any advice would be appreciated ?

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by joshguy

chennai to mantralayam.

I would suggest taking Madras-Nellore-Mydukur-Nandyal-Kurnool-Veldurthi-Kodumur-Yemmiganur-Mantralayam

Madras-Nellore is NH5.
Nellore-Mydukur is newly laid 2-lane road.
Mydukur-Nandyal-Kurnool is almost 4-lane (some incomplete sections around Nandyal)
Kurnool-Veldurthi is NH7
Veldurthi-Kodumur-Yemmiganur-Mantralayam has been reported in detail in the Bangalore-Mantralayam thread.

I expect facilities to be so-so except for the major towns, so be prepared for that.

[venki.bala]

Originally Posted by narayans80

I would suggest taking Madras-Nellore-Mydukur-Nandyal-Kurnool-Veldurthi-Kodumur-Yemmiganur-Mantralayam

Madras-Nellore is NH5.
Nellore-Mydukur is newly laid 2-lane road.
Mydukur-Nandyal-Kurnool is almost 4-lane (some incomplete sections around Nandyal)
Kurnool-Veldurthi is NH7
Veldurthi-Kodumur-Yemmiganur-Mantralayam has been reported in detail in the Bangalore-Mantralayam thread.

I expect facilities to be so-so except for the major towns, so be prepared for that.

Narayanan: curious to know why you are avoiding the Renigunta - Kadapa stretch. Is 4 laning a big mess?

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by venki.bala

Narayanan: curious to know why you are avoiding the Renigunta - Kadapa stretch. Is 4 laning a big mess?

Two advantages:

- Nellore-Mydukur is a newly laid 2-lane road. Since we've not had a monsoon on the eastern part of the country, the updates from summer holds today.
- Avoids the Tirupati bound traffic on Naidupeta-Renigunta section. The truck traffic on Renigunta-Kadapa section is moderate to heavy.