The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 marked a turning point for the state, compelling a major overhaul of its transport sector. As the residual state of Andhra Pradesh embarked on rebuilding its economic framework, connectivity emerged as a priority to bridge the gap between the diverse regions. To attract investments, support agriculture, and expand industrial capacity, Andhra Pradesh invested heavily in various transport modes, focusing on road, rail, air, and port connectivity.
Road Transport
The Andhra Pradesh road network is vital for inter-regional connectivity and access to key markets. According to 2023 data, the state’s road network spans around 123,334 kilometers, inclusive of national highways, state highways, major district roads, and rural roads. Post-bifurcation, the government prioritized upgrading the quality and reach of road networks, supported by the Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation (APRDC). Key projects included expanding state highways to national highways and enhancing the condition of rural roads through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
National Highways and State Highways: Andhra Pradesh has approximately 6,401 kilometers of national highways as of 2023, connecting key districts, industrial zones, and coastal areas. The construction of the Amaravati-Anantapur Expressway, a 598-kilometer route, was initiated to link the capital region with the state’s interior and has an expected completion date by 2025. State highways extend over 10,500 kilometers, providing secondary connectivity, especially between Tier II and III cities.
Regional Road Development: With substantial funds from the Central Road Fund and NABARD, Andhra Pradesh has developed 18,000 kilometers of rural roads since bifurcation, facilitating smoother connectivity for remote areas. The Total Length of Rural Roads project ensures that 95% of villages in Andhra Pradesh are now accessible by all-weather roads, a significant improvement from 60% in 2014.
Public Transportation: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) continues to be a key player in the state’s transport ecosystem, operating a fleet of 12,000 buses as of 2023. APSRTC serves approximately 16 million passengers per day, with key intra-state routes including Vijayawada-Tirupati and Vizag-Kurnool. The corporation has initiated electric buses on pilot routes to reduce carbon emissions, aiming to transition 25% of its fleet to electric by 2030.
Rail Transport
Rail transport is crucial in Andhra Pradesh due to its ability to handle bulk freight and passenger movement. The state is served by the South Central Railway (SCR) and East Coast Railway (ECoR) zones, and post-bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh has prioritized new rail projects and upgrades to enhance regional connectivity.
Railway Network Expansion: Andhra Pradesh boasts around 4,000 kilometers of railway track, with significant investments aimed at completing pending projects like the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti line, which offers a vital linkage for the industrial regions of Guntur and Chittoor districts. The Guntur-Tenali-Vijayawada project, expected by 2025, will improve connectivity between agricultural and manufacturing hubs.
Electrification and Doubling of Tracks: Approximately 60% of Andhra Pradesh’s railway routes are electrified, with plans to achieve full electrification by 2027. Projects like the Gooty-Dharmavaram doubling and electrification have been prioritized to facilitate faster freight movement and reduce operational costs. The government’s emphasis on efficient rail transport aims to strengthen access to major ports and industrial zones, enhancing trade volumes.
Suburban Rail Projects: The state has proposed a suburban rail project for the Vizag region, covering areas like Gajuwaka, Simhachalam, and Anakapalle. This project, currently in the feasibility assessment stage, aims to reduce urban congestion and provide a reliable commuter option for the growing population in the Vizag metropolitan area.
Air Transport
Andhra Pradesh’s air transport infrastructure has evolved significantly post-bifurcation. With international aspirations and expanding trade requirements, the state focused on developing new airports, upgrading existing ones, and enhancing air connectivity.
Airport Infrastructure: Andhra Pradesh currently has six operational airports: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Kadapa, and Orvakal (Kurnool). Visakhapatnam, the largest of these, served approximately 3.4 million passengers in 2022. Vijayawada and Tirupati have expanded their terminals to handle international flights, with passenger capacities upgraded to 1.5 million and 1.3 million per year, respectively.
New Greenfield Airports: To further bolster connectivity, Andhra Pradesh announced the development of new greenfield airports, notably the Bhogapuram International Airport near Visakhapatnam, projected to handle 6 million passengers in its first phase by 2025. This airport, managed by GMR Group, aims to become a cargo hub, serving both domestic and international routes. Other proposed airports include those in the Kadapa region, targeting intra-state connectivity to less accessible regions.
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN): Under the RCS-UDAN initiative, new air routes have been added, linking underserved regions like Kadapa, Kurnool, and Rajahmundry to major cities. The scheme has connected around 15 new destinations within Andhra Pradesh, fostering tourism and easing travel to remote areas.
Port Infrastructure and Maritime Transport
Given its coastal location, Andhra Pradesh views maritime transport as critical for trade, especially for exports to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The state’s coastline spans approximately 972 kilometers, hosting six major ports, with Visakhapatnam Port being the largest.
Major Ports: Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) handled approximately 72 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2023, representing 15% of India’s total cargo throughput. Post-bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh focused on optimizing VPT operations, implementing dredging and modernization projects to enhance container handling and reduce turnaround time. Additionally, VPT is developing container facilities to support a capacity of 1.5 million TEUs per annum.
Minor Ports and New Developments: Andhra Pradesh’s minor ports—such as Kakinada, Krishnapatnam, and Gangavaram—play pivotal roles in regional trade. Krishnapatnam, the second-largest port after Visakhapatnam, handled approximately 64 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2023. Gangavaram Port, serving as a dedicated bulk handling facility, specializes in commodities like coal, iron ore, and fertilizers.
Logistics and Industrial Corridors: The Andhra Pradesh government has strategically positioned industrial corridors along its ports to optimize logistics. The Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) is a major initiative, designed to promote manufacturing, export-oriented industries, and urbanization. This corridor spans from Vizag to Chennai, aiming to develop several nodes like Visakhapatnam and Srikalahasti, bolstering maritime and land transport integration. Similarly, the Krishnapatnam-Sricity corridor facilitates seamless trade access.
Inland Water Transport (IWT)
The state has been exploring inland water transport options, leveraging the Krishna and Godavari rivers. The proposed National Waterway-4 (NW-4) aims to connect Kakinada to Puducherry via canals and river stretches, providing a cost-effective route for transporting bulk cargo. As of 2023, 118 kilometers of NW-4 in Andhra Pradesh are operational, focusing on non-perishable goods like cement and rice, helping decongest roadways and lower transportation costs.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The future of Andhra Pradesh’s transport sector looks promising, yet certain challenges remain. The reliance on central government funding limits the state’s pace for completing large-scale projects. Land acquisition and environmental concerns, particularly for new ports and airports, also pose significant challenges.
Andhra Pradesh’s strategic planning and investment in transport infrastructure underscore its commitment to economic growth. As the state continues to develop its road, rail, air, and port infrastructure, it is likely to position itself as a critical logistics hub in the region, promoting industrial growth, trade, and socio-economic advancement.
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