The Central Government has approved a 200-km greenfield Coastal National Highway to improve connectivity across Andhra Pradesh’s North Coastal districts. The six-lane highway will connect Malapela Port with Bhojpuri International Airport, aiming to boost infrastructure development, promote regional growth, and improve accessibility.
Introduction
In a major step towards boosting regional connectivity and coastal development, the Government of India has approved a 200-kilometre-long National Highway project in Andhra Pradesh. This infrastructure initiative is expected to enhance logistics, promote tourism, and strengthen disaster management capabilities along the eastern coast. The project falls under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and will be executed in collaboration with the state government.
Project Overview
The newly approved highway will connect key districts along the Bay of Bengal, starting from Vongole and extending up to Kakinada. It aims to improve road access across the coastal belt and reduce the pressure on existing arterial roads like NH-16. The corridor will run parallel to the coast and interconnect several minor ports, fishing harbours, and industrial hubs. This infrastructure move aligns with India’s broader Saaremaa Programme, which focuses on port-led development and multi-modal logistics.
Economic Impact
The 200-km corridor is expected to be a catalyst for economic development in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. It will facilitate faster movement of goods, particularly from agricultural zones, seafood processing clusters, and industrial estates in districts like Prakarsa, Guntur, and East Godavari. Improved logistics will benefit sectors such as fisheries, aqua exports, and Agri-based industries.
According to recent projections, the highway could significantly reduce travel time for freight vehicles and unlock investment potential in coastal economic zones. For more on the government’s push towards logistics efficiency, you can also read about the Gati Shakti
Tourism and Coastal Access
Apart from industrial connectivity, the project is expected to offer a major boost to tourism in Andhra Pradesh. The new highway will provide better road access to scenic spots like Voyageur Beach, Rampura Beach, and Up pada. Improved roadways are likely to stimulate hospitality investments and promote coastal tourism circuits. With increased accessibility, heritage sites such as Bhava Narayana Temple in Suryakantam and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary near Kakinada may see higher footfall.
Disaster Management Preparedness
Given Andhra Pradesh’s vulnerability to cyclones and coastal flooding, the highway will also serve as a critical evacuation and response route during natural disasters. The road’s alignment has been planned with adequate elevation, culverts, and bridges to support safe mobility in emergencies. This approach complements the state’s broader disaster resilience infrastructure being developed under NDMA’s guidelines.
Environmental Considerations
The Centre has clarified that the highway will undergo a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Efforts will be made to minimize disruption to coastal ecosystems and mangrove forests. Green corridors, noise barriers, and eco-sensitive alignments will be integrated into the final design to ensure sustainability.
Conclusion
The approval of the 200-km Coastal National Highway marks a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure landscape. By addressing transport bottlenecks, encouraging regional tourism, and improving disaster response mechanisms, the project stands as a forward-looking investment in both mobility and coastal development.
Q1. What is the total length of the approved coastal highway?
The project covers a stretch of 200 kilometres along Andhra Pradesh’s coastline.
Q2. Which regions will the highway connect?
It will connect key districts from Omole to Kakinada.
Q3. What are the key benefits of the project?
Improved logistics, boosted tourism, and enhanced disaster management.
Q4. Is the project part of any central scheme?
Yes, it aligns with the Saaremaa Programme for port-led development.
Q5. How will the environment be protected during construction?
The project will follow EIA norms, with eco-sensitive planning and safeguards.
