Infrastructure
Centre Approves ₹304.44 Crore Road to Connect Kopparthy Industrial Area with Kadapa Bypass
The Centre has approved the construction of a road connecting the Kopparthy Industrial Area with the Kadapa Bypass, allocating ₹304.44 crore for the project. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the allocation on Friday, 19 September 2026.
| Project Cost | ₹304.44 crore (approved allocation) |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Approving Authority | Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (announced by Nitin Gadkari) |
| State Response | Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan welcomed allocation on 19 September 2026 |
| Industrial Area Size | 2,596 acres (Kopparthy node) |
| Kopparthy Investment Potential | ₹8,860 crore (total development cost: ₹2,137 crore) |
| Kopparthy Employment Target | 54,500 jobs |
| Corridor Context | Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), spanning ~800 km |
What Was Approved
The Centre approved the construction of a road connecting the Kopparthy Industrial Area with the Kadapa Bypass, allocating ₹304.44 crore for the project. The Kopparthy-Kadapa Bypass connectivity will strengthen access to the Kopparthy Industrial Area, a key node of the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor, enabling smoother industrial movement and unlocking new opportunities for investment, jobs and commerce in Rayalaseema.
Who Decided and When
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the allocation on Friday, 19 September 2026. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan responded in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) to the announcement. Pawan Kalyan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gadkari for the funds.
Significance for Kopparthy Industrial Area
The Kopparthy Industrial Area, located in Kadapa District under the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor, spans 2,596 acres and is strategically connected by SH 51 and NH 40, 13 km from Kadapa Airport. Once the new road opens, travel to the Kopparthy Industrial Area and the movement of industrial goods will become easier, creating a more favourable climate for investment in Rayalaseema, along with more job opportunities and greater commercial activity in the region.
With an investment potential of ₹8,860 crore and a project cost of ₹2,137 crore, the area aims to generate 54,500 jobs. AP Industrial Corridors Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (APICDC)—the SPV with 50% shareholding each of GoAP and GoI—shall implement the project.
Regional Context: Rayalaseema Industrial Growth
Kadapa district is strengthening its position as a steel and mineral-based manufacturing hub with the JSW steel plant, proposed IT cluster and electronics manufacturing ecosystem at Kopparthy. The Andhra Pradesh government has built an investment pipeline of more than 275 industrial projects across the Rayalaseema region, with proposed investments exceeding ₹4.58 lakh crore and the potential to generate over 3.57 lakh employment opportunities, comprising 172 projects approved by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) and 103 investment proposals signed during the CII Partnership Summit.
Next Steps
As of September 2026, the project has received Central Government approval and fund allocation. Specific timelines for tender issue, construction commencement, and completion have not been announced in available public statements. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan expressed gratitude for the Centre's continued support to Andhra Pradesh's infrastructure and industrial development.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this Kadapa bypass road important for Kopparthy?
The connectivity will strengthen access to the Kopparthy Industrial Area, a key node of the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor, enabling smoother industrial movement and unlocking new opportunities for investment, jobs and commerce in Rayalaseema.
What is Kopparthy's role in the larger industrial development plan?
The Kopparthy Industrial Area, located in Kadapa District, is under the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), spanning 2,596 acres. Kopparthy was added later as an additional VCIC node via an October 2024 addendum.
Who is developing the Kopparthy Industrial Area?
AP Industrial Corridors Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (APICDC)—the SPV with 50% shareholding each of GoAP and GoI—shall implement the project.
How many jobs is Kopparthy expected to create?
With an investment potential of ₹8,860 crore and a project cost of ₹2,137 crore, the area aims to generate 54,500 jobs.
Is this the only major investment in Kadapa district's industrial sector?
Kadapa district is strengthening its position as a steel and mineral-based manufacturing hub with the JSW steel plant, proposed IT cluster and electronics manufacturing ecosystem at Kopparthy.