The long-awaited four-lane road project between Jonnada and Kakinada has received official clearance from the state authorities, clearing an important hurdle in its development. This decision marks a key step towards enhancing road connectivity across Konaseema, East Godavari and Kakinada districts in Andhra Pradesh. The approval underlines the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure to support economic growth, ease commuter traffic and strengthen regional integration.
The proposed road starts at Jonnada in Konaseema district, passes through Mandapeta in East Godavari, and reaches Kakinada in Kakinada district. Once complete, this corridor will be upgraded into a continuous four-lane route, linking with the existing four-lane National Highway 216A. The plan is to widen the existing alignment, remove sharp curves, and build bypasses around congested towns to improve travel efficiency and safety.
Currently, the road is a mix of narrow stretches that weave through several villages and towns. This leads to slow travel and frequent delays, especially between Alamuru, Mandapeta, Velangi and Karapa, where traffic congestion is a recurring challenge for commuters and freight transport alike. The new project is expected to cut travel distance by nearly 10 kilometres and significantly reduce journey times once it is completed.
A comprehensive survey of the route was carried out between May and November 2025 by a Madhya Pradesh-based agency, LN Malavya. The recommendations from this survey include bypass alignments and ring roads to smooth traffic flow and support future urban growth, especially around Mandapeta and Alamuru. Officials have estimated that around ₹225 crore may be required for land acquisition, including agricultural and some residential properties along the corridor.
The project is planned to be constructed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aligning with broader state ambitions to accelerate infrastructure delivery through private sector engagement. Once land acquisition and preparatory works are complete, construction will begin. A toll plaza has already been proposed at a strategic location identified in the survey report, which will help generate funds for maintenance and operation.
Residents, traders and transport operators in the region have welcomed the clearance, expressing strong hope that the four-lane road will promote economic activities, improve connectivity and boost property values along the route. For Kakinada and neighbouring districts, this project represents more than just a road upgrade; it is part of a larger effort to enhance the region’s infrastructure backbone, reduce travel bottlenecks and support long-term socioeconomic development.
