In a major move to ease traffic congestion and bolster urban mobility, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved the construction of seven new roads in Visakhapatnam. The project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between key areas such as Beach Road and National Highway 16, will span a total of 26.72 kilometres and is estimated to cost Rs 1.54 billion.

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has been tasked with executing the project. The proposals were drafted by the VMRDA following a detailed assessment of existing traffic patterns and the city’s projected growth. The plans received formal approval during a recent review meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, announced that the roads will be developed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. To compensate landowners impacted by the construction, VMRDA and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) will issue Transferable Development Rights (TDR) bonds.Officials believe the development of these roadways will significantly decongest the city's arterial routes and ensure smoother travel across residential, commercial and industrial zones. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to modernise Visakhapatnam’s infrastructure in response to its expanding urban landscape.