The central government has given preliminary approval to ORR Amaravati and several road projects that will link Amaravati, the state capital, with other regions of the state and neighboring states. Among these significant projects is the 189 km long Amaravati Outer Ring Road (ORR). These projects, initially undertaken by the TDP government between 2014-19, were later halted by the Jagan government. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has now reintroduced these projects to the central government, securing primary approval. These projects, including greenfield highways and expressways, promise to enhance connectivity for Amaravati significantly.
Central Government’s Financial Commitment
The central government has committed to covering the construction cost of over ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 crore for the ORR Amaravati project, including land acquisition. Additionally, the government has approved the proposal for the Vijayawada East Bypass Road. A six-lane greenfield expressway between Amaravati and Hyderabad, reducing the distance by 60-70 km, has also received preliminary approval.
Key Infrastructure Developments in ORR Amaravati
The proposal includes constructing a 90 km long greenfield highway between Muppavaram and Amaravati, improving connectivity from Rayalaseema to the capital. These infrastructure developments are expected to bring transformative changes within two to three years, boosting the overall image of Andhra Pradesh, accelerating infrastructure development, and stimulating economic activities.
Impact on Investment and Employment for ORR Amaravati
Improved connectivity will attract investors to Amaravati, creating millions of job opportunities. The state government has withdrawn the Inner Ring Road (IRR) proposal, focusing instead on these new projects.
Reviving the ORR Amaravati Project
The ORR project, crucial for the development of Amaravati and the state’s economic activities, was initially stalled by the Jagan government. However, Naidu successfully convinced the central government to approve the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and commence land acquisition. The central government has now agreed to cover the entire project cost, which includes constructing a six-lane access-controlled expressway with service roads on both sides.
Cost and Land Acquisition at ORR Amaravati
The project, estimated to cost ₹17,761.49 crore in January 2018, requires 3,404 hectares of land, with land acquisition costs estimated at ₹4,198 crore. Due to inflation, the construction cost is expected to exceed ₹20,000 crore, with land acquisition costs potentially reaching ₹25,000 crore.
Enhanced Connectivity from Rayalaseema
The TDP government’s proposed 393 km access-controlled greenfield expressway between Anantapur and Amaravati underwent several changes under the Jagan government, diverting it through Pulivendula in the YSR district. The central government has now approved a new proposal by Naidu for a 90 km greenfield highway from Muppavaram to Amaravati, improving connectivity for travelers from Bengaluru, Rayalaseema, Nellore, and Prakasam districts.
Vijayawada East Bypass to Ease Traffic
The proposal for a 49 km four-lane Vijayawada East Bypass Road has received approval from the central government, addressing traffic issues in the region. The TDP government had previously planned to construct an Inner Ring Road (IRR) around Vijayawada and Amaravati, but this was halted. With the West Bypass Road nearing completion, the state government requested approval for the East Bypass Road proposal, which has now been granted.
Future of Amaravati’s Connectivity
The current national highway between Vijayawada and Hyderabad, spanning 270.7 km, is set to be expanded to six lanes. The state government has also proposed constructing a greenfield expressway to reduce the distance between Amaravati and Hyderabad by 60-70 km, easing traffic on the existing highway.
Conclusion
The central government’s approval of these road projects marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and development in Amaravati. The ORR Amaravati and other infrastructure developments will transform the region, attract investment, create jobs, and boost economic activities. This renewed focus on infrastructure underscores the importance of Amaravati in the state’s growth and development.
