Vishakapatnam: More than two lakh employees belonging to 100-plus industries in the surrounding areas of Atchutapuram in the new Anakapalli district are eagerly waiting for the expansion of the 14-km road between Anakapalli and Atchutapuram to four lanes.
Once completed, it will decongest the travel of people on this stretch, apart from giving a big boost to industries and enabling socio-economic growth.
K. Srinivasa Rao, an employee of a French company in the area, pointed out that the existing road is very narrow. It is dangerous for motorists, especially two-wheelers, to drive on the road, as hundreds of heavy vehicles and trucks with tons of material are always moving on the road.
Brandix employee P. Sreelakshmi said people, employees and workers of industries in the area are facing difficulties while travelling between Anakapalli and Atchutapuram. By completing the road before 2024 elections, the YSRC government can acquire enormous goodwill from the public in support of the ruling party.
When contacted, Kannababu, a local MLA representing Elamanchili assembly segment, said, “We have been continuously pursuing this project. Finally, a contractor has been given the task. Work on the road will start soon.
“AP government is also showing keen interest in this project, as this is the first major development after the formation of the new district headquarters at Anakapalli,” Kannababu stated.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, roads and buildings assistant executive engineer Anjaneya Raju disclosed that the 13.78-km road-widening work between the two towns of Anakapalli and Atchutapuram has been handed over to BVSR Constructions at a cost of ₹243 crore. Asian Development Bank is funding the total project cost of ₹358.81 crore.
About 21 acres of private land has to be acquired for the project, including removal of about 600 structures along the way. “Almost all formalities have been completed, except for some minor pre-construction work. The contractor will start work within the next three months," Raju said.
The project had been proposed five years ago by AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) as part of the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor project.
For GFX
Length 13.78 km
4-lane stretch (100 metres)
Project cost ₹358.81 crore
Two lakh employees of 100 industries in the area will benefit
