Nellore: Stage set to connect Menakuru SEZ with NH
Bridge near Pandluru rail gate to come up with ADB funds.
Nellore: A long pending proposal to build an over bridge over the railway line (ROB) at Pandluru Gate (near Naidupeta) to connect Chennai-Kolkata National Highway No. 16 with the Special Economic Zone in Menakuru is all set to take shape with ADB funds.
Menakauru Special Economic Zone is part of the Naidupeta cluster in the southern part of AP state and it consists of a multi-product SEZ (2,549 acres), Naidupeta Industrial Park (1,244 acres) and Attivaram Industrial Park (406 acres). Many investors have evinced interest in these areas and 40 odd units have already begun production.
Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) officials believe that many more industrial units would beeline to Naidupeta cluster because of the ensuing connectivity with the NH 16.
According to Deputy Zonal Manager of APIIC Chandrasekhar, they intend to widen the existing road from the landing point of the ROB, near the Sugar factory, near Pandluru gate, to Naidupeta - Rapur Road, leading to the SEZ, to ensure smooth flow of heavy vehicles.
At the junction connecting the NH-16 to the proposed road, a trumpet interchange is being planned to allow the heavy vehicles from the industrial cluster join the highway traffic without halting.
Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation had already carried out a survey on the road. They have also identified the land to be acquired in some points to widen the road.
Meanwhile, additional infrastructure development works, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 179.51 crore, are under progress at Menakuru SEZ and the Industrial Park.
Components proposed under the project include an internal road network, storm drains, power transmission and communication lines, besides internal water distribution pipelines.
APIIC officials said that 70 per cent of the work was completed with respect to the bulk water system to convey the allocated 0.29 thousand million cubic feet water from Telugu Ganga Canal (at 21 km).
The scope of work would include intake, pumps, pumping mains, and summer storage facility.