Highlighting a long-pending project vital for regional growth, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao called for immediate approval of the Gangavaram Port–NH-16 connectivity road via Tungalam.

During a meeting with NHAI chairman Santhosh Kumar Yadav in New Delhi on Wednesday, both leaders expressed concern that despite completion of the detailed project report (DPR), the scheme had been stalled for years due to inaction by the previous state government, which failed to secure Centre approval. They noted that this delay has worsened urban congestion, caused frequent logistics bottlenecks, and slowed port-linked economic activity in Visakhapatnam, one of India’s key strategic ports.

Describing the road as a critical part of the PM Gati Shakti master plan, the MP stressed its national significance. “This is not just a local connectivity issue but a strategic priority. With freight volumes at Gangavaram Port expected to more than double, further delays are unaffordable. We urge NHAI to expedite sanctioning and commence construction at the earliest,” he said.

Noting that groundwork such as alignment planning and approvals is complete, the TDP leader added, “Decisive action is needed to ease pressure on the Gajuwaka corridor and to position Visakhapatnam as a major logistics and industrial hub along the east coast.”

As existing infrastructure is inadequate, the proposed alignment offers a practical, low-displacement route through existing industrial and railway lands, bypassing dense residential areas to ensure smooth, long-term cargo movement, the MP and MLA emphasised.