Officials were tasked with enhancing links from national highways to major ports including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Krishnapatnam so that goods from inland areas and neighbouring states can reach coastal trade hubs more efficiently. The emphasis on port connectivity is aimed at streamlining logistics chains and lowering transit times for bulk and container shipments. The measures are expected to bolster both industrial supply chains and agricultural market access.
Detailed project reports are to be prepared for major corridors such as the Kharagpur-Amaravati Greenfield Expressway and a proposed road linking Nagpur to Machilipatnam via Vijayawada, while the Roads and Buildings Department will expand the existing road network to meet growing transport demand. An action plan envisages construction of over 6,050 km of new roads at an estimated cost of Rs 25 bn to widen regional accessibility. Implementation milestones and funding modalities have been prioritised to ensure timely delivery.
Modern construction techniques including Danish fibre reinforcement, waste plastic bitumen and nano concrete developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati are being adopted to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs. The adoption of these technologies is part of a sustainable construction agenda designed to extend pavement life and improve freight efficiency. The highway expansion is expected to shorten travel times, attract investment and create a more integrated transport network to support long term economic growth.
