Overview
Ahead of the festive season, the central government has signaled a significant push for Andhra Pradesh with a new high‑speed corridor. The plan introduces a greenfield expressway designed to prioritise cargo movement and ease congestion on the busy Kolkata–Chennai route. The route is envisioned to run from Khargapur (Kharagpur) in West Bengal, traversing Andhra Pradesh, and reaching Chennai, while remaining parallel to the existing National Highway 16 (NH‑16).
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has launched the process to determine the exact alignment. A consultancy is being shortlisted to study the corridor’s best possible route and the economic and logistical benefits of various alignments. The corridor is intended to be a long‑term freight artery, operating as a greenfield, access‑controlled expressway that complements the current NH‑16 rather than replacing it.
Route and Alignment
According to preliminary discussions, the new corridor would run adjacent to the Kolkata–Chennai highway and would be parallel to the same corridor, possibly aligning with a coastal route known as NH‑216 in certain stretches. The plan envisages a route that skirts Visakhapatnam, approaches the Amaravati area near Vijayawada, and crosses through the Guntur region before re‑entering into the broader corridor toward Chennai. In some versions of the proposal, the corridor is imagined not only as a straight east‑west link but also as a connector that eventually ties into the broader Kolkata–Chennai axis, creating a distance‑wise parallel option for freight traffic.
There are discussions about extending the corridor toward the Chennai metro area for full utility, but also debates on whether to cap the route closer to southern Andhra Pradesh or push it all the way to Chennai. The overarching aim is a greenfield, access‑controlled highway that relieves pressure on the existing NH‑16 and provides a faster, more predictable transit for cargo.
Why a Parallel High‑Speed Corridor?
The Kolkata–Chennai corridor is one of India’s busiest freight routes. With increasing traffic and a lack of six‑lane continuity in several stretches, travel times and reliability suffer. A parallel greenfield corridor would address these bottlenecks by providing an alternative, high‑speed option for freight, reducing delays for essential goods and improving overall supply chain efficiency. For Andhra Pradesh, the timing is particularly important as the state seeks to position Amaravati as a modern capital with enhanced connectivity to coastal and inland markets.
Impact on Amaravati, Visakhapatnam and the Coastal Belt
For Amaravati, the corridor’s proximity to the Outer Ring Road project adds strategic value. The seven‑highway outer ring around Amaravati is designed to funnel traffic smoothly and support industrial growth around the new capital region. Visakhapatnam and the surrounding coastal districts could benefit from faster cargo movement, improved port access, and new development opportunities as the corridor opens up previously underserved areas to investment and commerce.
Coastal Corridor Proposals and Port Linkages
Alongside the main inland high‑speed corridor, a coastal option has been under consideration. A proposed coastal corridor stretching about 165 kilometers from Moolapeta Port in Srikakulam district to Visakhapatnam, envisioned as a 6–8 lane coastal expressway, carries an estimated cost of around Rs 8,300 crore. MoRTH initially intended to incorporate this mass of work into the high‑speed corridor, but discussions now contemplate whether to treat it as a separate coastal project or to align it as part of the broader greenfield route. The final decision on alignment, scope, and funding remains pending, dependent on state approvals and detailed design work.
Next Steps and Timelines
MoRTH is moving toward finalizing an alignment with inputs from a consulted advisory firm. After states grant approval, the final lane‑level alignment will be determined, and cost estimates, including land acquisition requirements, will be clarified. The process involves rigorous feasibility studies and environmental clearances before construction can begin. While timelines are still fluid, the emphasis is on delivering a strategic freight corridor that strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s growth trajectory and provides a reliable backbone for the region’s expanding economy.
Conclusion
The proposed Andhra Pradesh high‑speed corridor represents a bold step toward modernizing India’s freight infrastructure. By running parallel to NH‑16 and integrating with Amaravati’s outer ring road, the project aims to accelerate movement of goods, unlock new growth corridors, and reinforce the state’s role in a connected national supply chain. As MoRTH moves from study to final alignment, the project could reshape trade routes, land use, and regional development for years to come.
