Andhra Pradesh: The Green National Highways Corridor Project that passes through parts of Andhra Pradesh has gained momentum with the Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) recently inviting bids to upgrade roads in the Koyyuru to Chaprathipalem stretch in Visakhapatnam district.

The NH 516E starts from its junction at NH 6 near Rajahmundry, connecting Bhupathipalem Road where it meets SH-38 near Rampachodavaram in East Godavari, Koyyuru, Chintapalli, Lambasingi, Paderu, and Araku in Visakhapatnam district and Bowadara, Tadipudi and terminating at NH-26 junction in Vizianagaram.

According to TOI reports, The scope of work includes rehabilitation and up-gradation of the Koyyuru to Chaprathipalem section of NH-516E in Visakhapatnam with loan assistance from the World Bank. The value of the project is Rs 273.53 crore.

According to NHAI sources, a total of 406.17 kilometers would be converted into a two-lane highway at an estimated cost of Rs 1,600 crore. The first three packages covering 137 km would be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 457 crore.

Most of the road will be two-lane and pass through forest mandals and villages in East Godavari to Vizianagaram. NHAI sources said the tribal populace would get access to Vizag via this road.