Centre allocates Rs 574 crore for Machilipatnam port connectivity road

Vijayawada: In a major road infrastructure boost to Machilipatnam seaport, the Centre approved an allocation of Rs 573.77 crore for the construction of a six-lane external port connectivity road linking the junction of NH-65 and NH-216 to Machilipatnam port, via Machilipatnam bypass section of NH-216. This was announced by Union minister for road transport and national highways Nitin Gadkari in a post shared on his X profile on Thursday.Under the road infrastructure project, Nitin Gadkari said that a six-lane main carriageway, along with service roads, three flyovers, and an overpass-cum-railway overbridge, will be constructed.The minister further stated that the project will provide direct and seamless connectivity between Machilipatnam seaport and the national highway corridor, significantly reducing freight turnaround time, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing overall logistics efficiency.Thanking Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning the funds for the development of the external seaport connectivity at Machilipatnam port, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the connectivity project to Machilipatnam port will be crucial in linking the hinterland to the port and reducing logistics costs. The chief minister further assured all kinds of requisite support on behalf of the AP govt for expediting all national highway projects, including the newly sanctioned external road connectivity to Machilipatnam port.Roads and buildings minister BC Janardhan Reddy said that the sanctioned project involves building an eight-kilometre-long, six-lane road linking the port with the junction of NH-65 and NH-216.With port works progressing at a rapid pace, the R&B minister noted that the timely execution of the connectivity road would ensure the port becomes fully accessible alongside its commissioning.