Andhra Pradesh government to develop greenfield semi ring road between Rambilli & Bhogapuram near Vizag
Visakhapatnam: Aimed at enhancing connectivity across Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram districts, the Andhra Pradesh govt has decided to undertake an access-controlled, greenfield semi ring road project from Rambilli (where a naval alternate operating base is under development) in Anakapalli district to Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.The
Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority
(VMRDA) has been entrusted with the task of appointing consultancy services to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for this road initiative.
Accordingly, the VMRDA has issued a request for proposal to select a technical consultant for DPR preparation.The proposed route is expected to run west of the existing national highway, starting from Rambilli and passing through Kothavalasa and other regions in Vizianagaram district, ultimately culminating in Bhogapuram, where an international airport is currently under development.
With a six-lane highway already operational between Anakapalli and Anandapuram, this new road is intended to complement existing infrastructure and improve regional transportation efficiency.A ring road project has long been a demand of several people's representatives of the erstwhile combined Visakhapatnam district, given the growing traffic needs. Even though the project does not directly connect to Vizag city, it will provide an alternative route for people living along the stretch from Rambilli to Bhogapuram, alleviating congestion. This will also spur economic development in the region, particularly on the Bhogapuram side of the proposed alignment of the road.Speaking to TOI, VMRDA chairperson Pranav Gopal said that the selected consultant will prepare a DPR outlining key aspects of the project, including estimated costs, financial viability, land requirements, alignment options, route length, and the areas to be covered. "The report will be submitted to the state govt, which will take the final call on the project. The approximate length of the road to be studied is 90 kilometres," he said,"A greenfield alignment may be pursued only if traffic projections indicate a need for future expansion beyond four lanes. If the greenfield option is chosen, the entire right of way will be acquired to accommodate up to an eight-lane main carriageway, including provisions for service roads. Initially, a four-lane carriageway with four-lane structures will be developed, with space reserved in the median for future expansion. Inhabited areas will include service roads with a minimum width of 10 meters, while ensuring maximum access control for the main highway. Access to towns, cities, and establishments along the existing national highway will be provided via spurs from the greenfield route," Pranav Gopal said."First, a feasibility study must be completed. Only after specific instructions from VMRDA, based on the outcome of the study, will the consultancy move forward with DPR preparation," added the VMRDA chairperson.To fund the semi ring road project, a value capture finance (VCF) strategy is likely to be adopted. The VCF model is expected to reduce reliance on traditional government funding and loans, while encourage private sector participation and development along the corridor. This may ultimately support long-term sustainability through a self-financing infrastructure model.
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