Centre Clears Rs 1,400 Crore Greenfield Highway To Boost Marine Exports And Tourism In Andhra Pradesh

The Union government has granted in-principle approval for a greenfield national highway project connecting the Nizampatnam fishing harbour to the proposed Amaravati Outer Ring Road (ORR), a strategic move aimed at bolstering marine exports and coastal tourism in Andhra Pradesh.

A consultancy agency appointed by the Centre has proposed four possible alignments for the 48 km stretch, following an extensive feasibility study, according to a TOI report.

The agency has considered key parameters such as land acquisition costs, economic viability, and route optimisation.

The project, expected to cost around Rs 1,400 crore, will see Rs 300 crore allocated for land acquisition, while the remainder will cover construction and bridgework.

The proposed route will intersect with rivers, canals, and a railway line near Tsundur, necessitating the construction of a Rail Over Bridge (ROB) and at least 24 high-level bridges at key crossing points.

According to officials, these infrastructural interventions will ensure seamless connectivity and long-term resilience of the highway.

The project is anticipated to be a catalyst for economic upliftment in the backward coastal belt. Local MP T Krishna Prasad remarked that the increase in marine product exports will help local fishermen gain better prices.

The highway is also expected to improve connectivity to scenic destinations such as Suryalanka and Bapatla beaches, enhancing the region’s tourism potential.

The Narakoduru junction near Guntur has emerged as the most feasible alignment for the proposed highway.

The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) has already granted a no-objection certificate for the road's passage through its land adjacent to the Nizampatnam harbour.

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