New Delhi: The Central government has granted preliminary approval for a new greenfield national highway in Andhra Pradesh. The road will connect Nizampatnam fishing harbour to the proposed Amaravati Outer Ring Road, aiming to support marine exports and improve tourism infrastructure in the coastal region.
The proposed highway will stretch for 48 kilometers and is estimated to cost 1,400 crore. Of this, 300 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition. The rest of the funds will be used for construction, including bridges and a Rail Over Bridge (ROB) at a railway line near Tsundur.
A government-appointed consultancy firm studied multiple route options and suggested four alignments after evaluating cost, feasibility, and land acquisition impact. The route from Narakoduru junction near Guntur to Nizampatnam is currently seen as the most practical.
To complete the route, the highway will need to span several water bodies and infrastructure points, requiring at least 24 bridge structures, including high-level canal crossings.
Local leaders, including MP T. Krishna Prasad, have expressed confidence that the highway will provide better market access for fishermen, improving earnings through enhanced export capacity. It will also improve travel to popular beach destinations like Suryalanka and Bapatla, potentially increasing tourist footfall.
The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board has already issued a no-objection certificate for the road’s construction near the harbour. Final approval from the Centre is expected in the coming weeks.
