Andhra Pradesh seeks Centre’s backing for six-lane landmark bridge across Krishna River

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought Central government support for the construction of a six-lane landmark bridge across the Krishna River, a project envisioned as a key driver of connectivity and economic growth for Amaravati.

The proposed bridge will connect the Vijayawada–Hyderabad National Highway 65 with the Chennai–Kolkata National Highway 16, providing a vital link through the Amaravati capital region. Planned between Muktyala and Mulapadu, the structure will span approximately five kilometres and is designed to serve as a high-capacity alternative to existing river crossings.

During a meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Naidu emphasised the importance of integrating Amaravati more effectively with India’s national highway network. He highlighted that seamless road connectivity is essential to support urban expansion, attract investments, and improve logistics efficiency across the state.

According to state officials, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce congestion on existing Krishna river bridges, which currently handle heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak travel hours. By improving traffic distribution and shortening travel times, the project aims to enhance road safety and commuter convenience while supporting smoother freight movement.

The bridge will also play a strategic role in connecting Amaravati with three major national highways and aligning the capital region with the proposed Hyderabad–Amaravati greenfield expressway. This integration is expected to strengthen Amaravati’s position as an emerging logistics and administrative hub in southern India.

Naidu has urged the Centre to expedite approvals and extend financial and technical assistance to ensure timely execution of the project. He noted that large-scale infrastructure investments are critical for accelerating regional development and creating long-term employment opportunities.

If implemented, the six-lane bridge is expected to become a defining infrastructure landmark for Andhra Pradesh. Beyond its functional role, the project is seen as a symbol of the state’s renewed push for modern, future-ready transport infrastructure anchored by strong Centre-state coordination and long-term urban planning objectives.