Union Minister Piyush Goyal informed the Rajya Sabha that the joint venture between the Central Government and the Andhra Pradesh government overseeing the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC) would soon issue tenders to select an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project. Goyal was responding to a query from Congress MP Anil Kumar Mandadi regarding the timeline for the operationalisation of HBIC and the current status of EPC contractor selection. Goyal explained that the project had been first announced in 2007 but had seen no progress until 2014. He mentioned that while some announcements had been made just before the 2014 elections, the actual approval for the corridor had only come in 2020. He added that the project’s load specifications had been formally announced on 28 August 2024. Goyal emphasized that the joint venture with the Andhra Pradesh government would ensure transparent tendering for EPC contractors, and the state government would manage the selection process with complete transparency, according to Deccan Herald. The corridor was described as aiming to establish a robust infrastructure network that would enhance industrial connectivity between Hyderabad and Bengaluru. HBIC was also expected to serve as a strategic link between two major industrial corridors in the region: the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC) and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC). This integration was anticipated to catalyse economic development and attract significant investments in various sectors. A key development within the HBIC was the proposed Orvakal Node in Kurnool district, which was planned to span approximately 4,742 acres across three land parcels near NH 40. This national highway connects Hyderabad to Chennai, passing through key towns such as Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa, and Tirupati. The strategic location of these land parcels was said to offer unique geographical advantages, ensuring seamless connectivity to major urban and industrial centers. Once operational, the Orvakal Node was expected to become a major industrial hub, fostering job creation and boosting the region's economic growth.