Published Feb 06, 2026 | 9:58 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 06, 2026 | 9:58 PM
Machilipatnam port. (Wikimedia commons)
Synopsis: The project will connect the junction of National Highway 65 and National Highway 216 with the Machilipatnam Port via the Machilipatnam bypass section of NH-216. The sanctioned works include a six-lane main carriageway, accompanying service roads, three flyovers, and an overpass-cum-railway overbridge designed to provide uninterrupted connectivity for freight and passenger traffic.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a ₹573.77 crore allocation for the construction of a six-lane connectivity road linking the national highway network to the developing Machilipatnam Port in Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh.
The announcement was made by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on the social media platform X.
The project will connect the junction of National Highway 65 and National Highway 216 with the Machilipatnam Port via the Machilipatnam bypass section of NH-216. The sanctioned works include a six-lane main carriageway, accompanying service roads, three flyovers, and an overpass-cum-railway overbridge designed to provide uninterrupted connectivity for freight and passenger traffic.
The Centre’s approval for the connectivity road marks a significant milestone in enhancing Andhra Pradesh’s maritime and logistics infrastructure. The project is expected to strengthen freight networks and unlock economic potential in one of India’s emerging port towns.
According to the announcement, the port access road is expected to provide direct access between Machilipatnam Port and the national highway corridor — a key factor in reducing freight turnaround time and easing logistics bottlenecks in the region.
The connectivity project is seen as part of the Centre’s initiative to strengthen port-led infrastructure and encourage trade facilitation along India’s east coast. The six-lane highway is anticipated to improve cargo movement efficiency.
Reacting to the Centre’s approval, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu thanked Union Minister Gadkari for the “continuous support” toward developing the state’s national highway network, particularly connecting existing and upcoming ports. In his post on X, Naidu said the connectivity initiative “will be crucial in linking the hinterland to the port and reducing logistics cost.”
Thank you Gadkari ji for your continuous support in improving NH network in AP. Very happy to see the focus on connectivity of existing and green field ports under development. The connectivity project to Machilipatnam port will be crucial in linking the hinterland to the port… https://t.co/q55MQpSlGL
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 6, 2026
Naidu also assured the Union government of “full cooperation” from the Andhra Pradesh administration to ensure swift execution of national highway projects in the state, emphasising their role in economic growth and job creation.
Machilipatnam Port, often referred to locally as Bandar Port, is a greenfield deep-sea port project being developed on the Bay of Bengal coast in Krishna district. Construction formally began in April 2023 by the state, with plans to build multiple berths and support infrastructure over approximately 2,000 acres.
According to sources, the first phase of the port — comprising four berths — is expected to be completed and potentially be made operational by 31 December this year. This phase is seen as a critical milestone to begin cargo handling and attract port-based industries to the region.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
