Overview: A Freight-First Greenfield Corridor
The union government has signaled a major shift in India’s freight infrastructure with a greenfield high-speed corridor designed to prioritise cargo transport. The route runs from Kharagpur in West Bengal to Chennai, passing along the eastern coastline and through Andhra Pradesh. The aim is to relieve pressure on the crowded existing NH-16 by providing a parallel, faster link for freight.
Route and Alignment in Andhra Pradesh
Officials say the corridor would pass through Andhra Pradesh, skimming the coast and running roughly parallel to NH-16. The plan envisions a seamless freight axis that would connect the Visakhapatnam area with the Amaravati belt, pass near Guntur and Nellore, and continue toward Chennai. In a related coastal-offshoot, a 165-km coastal corridor from Mullapeta Port in Srikakulam district to Visakhapatnam has been floated, with six to eight lanes under discussion and an estimated cost of around Rs 8,300 crore. Meanwhile, MoRTH is weighing alternate alignments, including a version that sits on the opposite side of NH-16 away from the sea, to maximize land use and traffic efficiency.
Parallel to NH-16 and Potential NH-216 Link
The idea is to have a new high-speed corridor running alongside the present National Highway 16, effectively creating a two-pronged freight spine on the eastern coast. Some proposals also contemplate integrating with the coastal NH-216 corridor, broadening access to ports and industrial zones along the coast. Officials stress that details will be confirmed only after expert studies and approvals.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh and Amaravati
For Andhra Pradesh, the corridor promises to unlock new growth nodes around Amaravati, the state capital, and along the Outer Ring Road that is being built around the city. A freight corridor of this scale would attract manufacturing clusters, logistics parks, and investments in related sectors. Port connectivity from Vizag, along with opportunities in Nellore and Prakasam districts, could accelerate development in the region and ease congestion on existing highways that currently handle a heavy truck volume.
Implementation Path and Timeline
MoRTH has started the process to select a consultancy to study the alignment and evaluate the most beneficial route. After state approvals, the final alignment will be announced, and project cost and land acquisition specifics will be clarified. While the corridor is described as greenfield and freight-oriented, the exact timeline hinges on DPRs, clearances, and funding decisions under the national highway program. The process is still in the early stages, and shifts in alignment are possible as technical reviews proceed.
Economic and Logistical Benefits, and Challenges
Key benefits include reduced travel times for freight, lower logistics costs, and increased port hinterland access. The corridor could also spur industrial growth along the Amravati outer ring and southern Andhra Pradesh, improving multimodal connectivity with rail and sea ports. However, challenges remain: land acquisition in targeted districts, environmental clearances, financing, and cross-state coordination. Realising the full potential will depend on a stable alignment that balances land use with optimal freight benefits, while protecting coastal and ecological interests.
Conclusion: A Long-Term Leap for Coastal Connectivity
As MoRTH advances alignment studies and the government advances feasibility work, Andhra Pradesh stands to gain a critical freight artery that could shape the state’s growth trajectory for decades. While the project is still taking shape, the decision to pursue a freight-first high-speed corridor along the coast marks a significant shift toward robust, cargo-led infrastructure that could redefine economic activity in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and the broader eastern coast.
