Six-lane port road to boost Machilipatnam connectivity, trade prospects

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving over Rs 570 crore for a six-lane external port connectivity road linking Machilipatnam Port with the national highway network.

The Union government has sanctioned Rs 573.77 crore for construction of the dedicated corridor connecting the junction of NH-65 and NH-216 to Machilipatnam Port through the Machilipatnam bypass section of NH-216 .

In a post on X, Naidu said the project underlines the Centre’s focus on improving connectivity to existing and greenfield ports and would help link the hinterland with the port while reducing logistics costs for industries and exporters.

The six-lane corridor is expected to significantly ease congestion in Machilipatnam town, cut freight turnaround time by 20–30 per cent , and lower vehicle operating costs for transporters by up to 15 per cent , according to official estimates.

Earlier, Gadkari said the project would provide seamless highway-to-port connectivity and improve logistics efficiency in the region. The approved works include a six-lane main carriageway , service roads , three flyovers , and an overpass-cum-railway overbridge .

Officials said improved road access is expected to boost cargo evacuation capacity and help Machilipatnam Port scale up operations, strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s maritime infrastructure and supporting its efforts to emerge as a key trade and manufacturing hub on the east coast.

The chief minister assured full cooperation from the state government for the speedy execution of National Highway projects, noting that improved infrastructure would spur economic growth and generate employment.