Amaravati: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is examining a proposal to construct a six-lane elevated flyover along the Hyderabad–Machilipatnam stretch of National Highway-65 within Vijayawada city limits to address mounting traffic congestion.

The proposed elevated corridor is planned from the Kanakadurga Flyover at Rajiv Park near the Pandit Nehru Bus Stand to the Ganguru intersection on the Machilipatnam route, covering approximately 14 kilometres. Officials believe the project will ensure uninterrupted movement for highway commuters while significantly easing traffic pressure within Vijayawada.

Senior NHAI officials are currently holding discussions at the Delhi level regarding the project’s feasibility and design.

Six-Lane Expansion on Both Sides

The Hyderabad–Vijayawada–Machilipatnam corridor (NH-65) passes through Ibrahimpatnam, Gollapudi, Bhavanipuram, Kanakadurga Flyover, Krishnalanka, Varadhi Junction, Benz Circle, Autonagar Gate, Kanur, Poranki and Penamaluru within Vijayawada limits.

At present, two major six-laning projects are underway:

• The Hyderabad–Vijayawada stretch is being widened to six lanes. Initially planned only up to the Vijayawada bypass junction at Gollapudi, the project has now been extended up to the Kanakadurga Flyover at Bhavanipuram following representations from the state government. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared accordingly.
• Separately, the Vijayawada–Machilipatnam highway is also being expanded to six lanes, from the Outer Ring Road crossing near the Davuluru toll plaza up to Machilipatnam.

However, once these projects are completed, a bottleneck is likely within Vijayawada city. The highway would remain four lanes between the Kanakadurga Flyover and the Davuluru toll plaza stretch through Krishnalanka, Varadhi Junction, Screw Bridge, Benz Circle, and further via Kanur, Poranki, Penamaluru, Ganguru and Kankipadu.

Elevated Corridor to Avoid Bottlenecks

During a recent meeting of NHAI’s top officials, concerns were raised over the inconsistency of six-lane stretches on both sides of the city and a four-lane segment in the urban core, which already witnesses heavy traffic. As a solution, officials have directed preparation of a proposal for a six-lane elevated flyover from Kanakadurga Flyover to Ganguru intersection.

The elevated structure is expected to require minimal land acquisition within Vijayawada city, except for approach roads and entry-exit ramps at key intersections.

Single Structure or Two Segments?

Officials are also evaluating whether to construct a single 14-km elevated flyover or divide it into two segments.

One proposal suggests a 5-km elevated stretch from Kanakadurga Flyover to near Benz Circle via Krishnalanka and Varadhi Junction, and another 9-km flyover from Benz Circle to Ganguru Junction.

If built as a single continuous structure, special design modifications may be required at Benz Circle, where two existing flyovers are operational, particularly to facilitate movement towards the port road.

Officials indicated that clarity on the final design approach is expected within a week or two.

Overall, DPRs are being prepared for both the Hyderabad–Vijayawada and Vijayawada–Machilipatnam six-laning projects, and the feasibility of integrating the proposed elevated corridor into these expansions is currently under examination.