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

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..