Union Govt Approves ₹1,400 Crore Greenfield Highway in Andhra Pradesh to Boost Marine Exports and Tourism.

The Union government has granted its in-principle approval for the construction of a greenfield national highway that will connect the Nizampatnam fishing harbour with the proposed Amaravati Outer Ring Road (ORR). This significant infrastructure development, projected to cost around ₹1,400 crore, is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to marine exports and tourism initiatives in the region.

A consultancy agency, appointed by the Centre, conducted an extensive study over several months and has proposed four possible alignments for the highway. These proposals meticulously factored in critical considerations such as land acquisition costs, economic feasibility, and overall distance.

The proposed 48-kilometer greenfield highway is earmarked with approximately ₹300 crore for land acquisition, with the remaining funds covering the substantial costs of highway construction and bridges. Given the terrain, the highway will necessitate crossing rivers and canals at least 24 points, including a railway track near Tsundur. To address these crossings, the consultancy agency has recommended the construction of a Rail Over Bridge (ROB) at the railway track and high-level bridges at all canal crossing points.

Local MP T. Krishna Prasad hailed the project as a potential "game-changer" for the development of the historically backward coastal area and its fishing communities. He emphasized that the anticipated increase in marine product exports would enable local fishermen to secure better prices for their catches. Furthermore, the proposed highway is expected to significantly improve access to the scenic tourist spots along Suryalanka and Bapatla beaches, thereby invigorating the region's tourism sector.

Sources indicate that the Centre is likely to issue its final clearance for the project within a few weeks. The Narakoduru junction near Guntur to Nizampatnam route is currently considered the most feasible option among the proposed alignments.

Adding to the project's momentum, the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) has already issued a no-objection certificate for the construction of the highway on its land situated near the Nizampatnam harbour.