Road extension projects to ease traffic in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: The civil works of the most anticipated road extension projects are soon going to commence as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued LoAs to the bidding infrastructure companies. According to officials of NHAI, these projects are likely to be completed within the next two and half years putting an end to traffic woes of the city. Currently the heavy vehicles coming to the port and other major industries completely clog the roads at all hours.

The NHAI has issued Letter of Award (LoA) to Bhopal-based Dilip Buildcon Ltd (DBL) for the six-lane project of the 51-km stretch from Anandapuram-Pendurthi-Anakapalle section of NH 16. It will soon start the construction works. Recently, the authority has also provided LoA to Ahmedabad-based Sadbhav Infrastructure Project Ltd (SIPL) for another four-lane project of 13-km stretch at Sheelanagar-Sabbavaram road.

DBL had bid for the former project at an estimated cost of Rs 2,013 crore, while the latter was taken up by SIPL for Rs 549 crore. Both the projects would be built under Bharatmala Project on hybrid annuity mode. Around 430 hectares are required for the widening of the Anandapuram-Anakapalle stretch, and 80 hectares are needed for Sheelanagar-Sabbavaram road. More than 90 per cent of the land acquisition process has been completed for both projects.

NHAI regional project director A. Srinivasa Rao said that they would disburse the compensation amount to the land owners of at least 10 out the 40 villages during the next month. The infrastructure companies are currently busy with the pre-construction activities such as fitting electrical lines and shifting water pipelines.  After mobilising funds, they would commence the civil works, he added. Out of the total project cost, 60 per cent must be borne by the bidding agency and 40 per cent will be provided by the NHAI. They should achieve financial closure within 180 days of issuing the LoA.

Meanwhile, the infrastructure firms have to submit the geo-technical ground survey of the bridges, and other drawings to the NHAI. Apart from these two projects, Visakhapatnam Port Trust has proposed a four-lane road at the Visakha Container Terminal by extending the current two-lane road. Oyster Infracon has been chosen as the contractor for this project. Already, a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared at an estimated budget of '120 crore. The Centre will fund the total amount under Bharatmala Project, chairman M. T. Krishna Babu said.