The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a four-lane highway corridor from Badvel to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The project, to be developed under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model, is estimated to cost Rs 36.53 billion.

The corridor will improve connectivity to key industrial nodes in the Vishakhapatnam–Chennai, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, and Chennai–Bengaluru corridors. Starting from Gopavaram in YSR Kadapa District, the route ends at Krishnapatnam Port Junction on National Highway 16 in SPSR Nellore District.

The project is expected to reduce travel distance to Krishnapatnam Port by 33.9 kilometres—from 142 kilometres to 108.13 kilometres—enhancing freight movement and logistical efficiency. Krishnapatnam Port is a priority node under the Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.

In addition to this project, the cabinet also approved two railway multitracking projects in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh worth Rs 33.99 billion, covering 176 kilometres, to improve passenger and freight operations by 2029–30.

These infrastructure initiatives aim to support industrial growth, reduce transit time, and enhance regional development across Andhra Pradesh and beyond.

Source:Deccan Herald