Centre Approves Amaravati Outer Ring Road Project

15 Jan 2025 CW Team

The NHAI had submitted the project proposal after the state government requested the revival of the ORR, which had been initially approved in 2018 but was later scrapped when the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) came into power.

The Union government’s approval came after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu personally advocated for the project during his visits to New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported the CM's request, and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the revival of the project, with the Centre also taking responsibility for the land acquisition costs.

After several rounds of discussions, NHAI submitted a detailed project report for the Centre’s clearance. Sources stated that the approval committee raised concerns about the proposal and trimmed some aspects of the project. Notably, the committee suspended the already approved Vijayawada East bypass due to project duplication.

The 189-kilometre ORR is expected to boost growth in five districts, including Vijayawada, Guntur, Bapatla, Krishna, and Palnadu. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 16,000 crore, including land acquisition. However, due to Chief Minister Naidu’s promise to exempt SGST on materials used for construction, the cost has been reduced by Rs 1,150 crore.

Surprisingly, the committee has reduced the proposed six-lane road width to 70 metres, down from the state government’s original 150-metre proposal, arguing that 70 metres would suffice for an eight-lane road and avoid unnecessary cost escalation. The committee also noted that land acquired under the National Highways Act cannot be used for purposes like laying railway tracks, suggesting that the state government seek additional land for railway lines if necessary.

The Centre has approved the much-awaited Amaravati Outer Ring Road (ORR) project, with the project approval committee of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially clearing the proposal from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI had submitted the project proposal after the state government requested the revival of the ORR, which had been initially approved in 2018 but was later scrapped when the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) came into power. The Union government’s approval came after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu personally advocated for the project during his visits to New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported the CM's request, and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the revival of the project, with the Centre also taking responsibility for the land acquisition costs. After several rounds of discussions, NHAI submitted a detailed project report for the Centre’s clearance. Sources stated that the approval committee raised concerns about the proposal and trimmed some aspects of the project. Notably, the committee suspended the already approved Vijayawada East bypass due to project duplication. The 189-kilometre ORR is expected to boost growth in five districts, including Vijayawada, Guntur, Bapatla, Krishna, and Palnadu. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 16,000 crore, including land acquisition. However, due to Chief Minister Naidu’s promise to exempt SGST on materials used for construction, the cost has been reduced by Rs 1,150 crore. Surprisingly, the committee has reduced the proposed six-lane road width to 70 metres, down from the state government’s original 150-metre proposal, arguing that 70 metres would suffice for an eight-lane road and avoid unnecessary cost escalation. The committee also noted that land acquired under the National Highways Act cannot be used for purposes like laying railway tracks, suggesting that the state government seek additional land for railway lines if necessary.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..