Overview of the Plan
In a development that could reshape Andhra Pradesh’s freight and road connectivity ahead of Dasara, the central government is pursuing a new greenfield high-speed corridor designed to run parallel to the Kolkata–Chennai (NH-16) corridor. The proposed route would begin in Khargapur in West Bengal and traverse the eastern coast through Andhra Pradesh before reaching Chennai. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has initiated alignment studies and is in the process of shortlisting a consultancy that will map the most advantageous path for this freight-optimized corridor. The aim is to create a dedicated, access-controlled highway that reduces pressure on the existing NH-16 and enables smoother movement of goods along the eastern coast.
Route, Alignment and Key Milestones
Officials are evaluating an alignment that sits alongside the existing Kolkata–Chennai highway, effectively offering a parallel express corridor for freight. One concept under consideration links the corridor with a coastal route (potentially NH-216) while another explores inland fan-outs to connect rapidly developing hubs. The plan envisions the new highway skirting Visakhapatnam, threading near Amaravati’s outer ring road and then continuing toward Guntur and Nellore before reconciling with the Chennai corridor. While the exact route is yet to be finalized, the emphasis is on a greenfield, access-controlled design that unlocks new growth corridors across Andhra Pradesh and coastal Andhra in particular.
Parallel to NH-16 and Coastal Connectivity
The project is framed as a freight-first solution, designed to relieve congestion on the aging NH-16 and provide a reliable alternative for long-haul trucks. There is discussion about whether the new high-speed corridor will run entirely inland, along the coast, or as a combination of both, with preliminary drafts suggesting a path that could connect to the new Amaravati Outer Ring Road network. The Ministry is weighing options to ensure the corridor complements local and regional growth while delivering land-efficient routes to major ports and industrial zones.
Infrastructure to Support Amaravati and Ports
Amaravati sits at the heart of these discussions because the corridor could enable faster, more predictable freight access to and from the capital region. The Amaravati Outer Ring Road, envisioned to interlink seven highways around the city, would gain an important companion in a parallel high-speed corridor that could attract investments, industrial clusters, and logistics parks. In parallel, proposals have surfaced for a coastal corridor connecting the Moolapet port area in Srikakulam district with Visakhapatnam in a 165-kilometer stretch featuring six to eight lanes. The estimated cost for this coastal concept has been cited in some discussions at around ₹8,300 crore, though the MoRTH has indicated that the final alignment will be decided after broader consultations and land acquisition assessments.
Next Steps and What It Means for the State
MoRTH is in the early stages, with a consultant slated to study alignment, traffic projections, land requirements, and environmental clearances. After the state government approves the preferred route, a final alignment will be laid out, followed by an assessment of project costs and regulatory approvals. The corridor’s success hinges on coordinating with landowners, port authorities, and state agencies, as well as ensuring that any cross-border segments align with existing highways and coastal corridors. While some plans suggest extending beyond Amaravati toward Chennai, officials say it is prudent to evaluate all options before committing to a final stretch that reaches the metropolis on the southern coast.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh and the National Economy
- Enhanced freight movement: A dedicated greenfield corridor could significantly reduce travel times for goods, boosting the state’s logistics sector and encouraging manufacturing spillovers.
- Capital region growth: By integrating with the Amaravati Outer Ring Road, the corridor could accelerate investments in the capital region and nearby districts such as Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Guntur.
- Port connectivity: A parallel coastal or near-coastal route would bolster port traffic, enabling faster hinterland movement to Chennai and other southern markets.
- Strategic resilience: A second highway alternative to NH-16 enhances national connectivity along the eastern seaboard, supporting disaster resilience and supply chain continuity.
What Happens Next?
With the MoRTH selecting a consultative firm and awaiting state assent on the final alignment, a formal DPR (detailed project report) and land-acquisition plan will follow. The schedule remains contingent on the alignment chosen and the pace of environmental clearances. Stakeholders across Andhra Pradesh’s administration are keen to see this high-speed corridor move from concept to construction to realize tangible gains in freight efficiency and regional development.
