MoRTH clears 160-km Anakapalli-Rajahmundry highway widening

The Anakapalli-Annavaram–Diwancheruvu (Rajahmundry) section of the NH-16 is all set to be upgraded into six lanes as NHAI has been assigned the consultancy service work for preparation of a detailed project report (DPR). The highway in question is spanning across 160 km and the existing four-lane highway in the section was laid about a half decade ago but now there is a demand for the expansion of this particular section considering the increasing traffic. According to NHAI officials, bids for a consultant for preparation of the DPR for the Anakapalli-Diwancheruvu section have been already invited. The DPR study works are likely to commence shortly as the major objective is to establish the technical, economical, and financial viability of the project and prepare detailed project reports for rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing road. Six-laning of Anakapalle-Annavaram-Diwancheruvu Section has gained importance as the Anakapalle-Annavaram section has already exceeded the 40,000-passenger car equivalent (PCU) target traffic. Meanwhile, all adjacent road projects have already been upgraded to six-laning, making this 160- km section a bottleneck with four-lane facilities and six-lane traffic. The Kakinada port connectivity projects both from Annavaram and Rajanagaram in the combined East Godavari district and the four-lane Khammam-Devarapalli greenfield project may further increase traffic on this 160-km stretch, as such, the existing four-lane road may not be sufficient to the emerging traffic requirements.