Parliament Statement
Centre Reveals Rs 18,233-Crore Connectivity Push for Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub in Parliament
Road and railway connectivity projects worth more than Rs 18,233 crore have been completed or are under implementation around Krishnapatnam Port, with Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal informing the Rajya Sabha that these projects are expected to improve connectivity and support development of the proposed Kris City, logistics hubs and export-oriented industries in Nellore district.
| Total connectivity investment | Rs 18,233 crore |
|---|---|
| Sagarmala projects identified | 12 last-mile rail and road connectivity projects |
| Investment completed | Rs 2,212 crore completed |
| Road projects under implementation | Seven of nine identified road projects worth Rs 16,021.51 crore |
| Parliamentary forum | Rajya Sabha question by member Beeda Masthan Rao Yadav |
| Key project component | Doubling and electrification of the Krishnapatnam–Venkatachalam railway line |
| Other planned links | Obulavaripalle–Venkatachalam rail link and railway connection between Gudur and Krishnapatnam South Port |
| Expected economic impact | Improved cargo movement, attract investment and accelerate industrialisation and employment generation |
Parliamentary Disclosure
Road and railway connectivity projects worth more than Rs 18,233 crore have been completed or are under implementation around Krishnapatnam Port, the Centre informed Parliament on Tuesday. In a written reply to a question by Rajya Sabha member Beeda Masthan Rao Yadav, Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects are expected to improve connectivity to the port and support the development of the proposed Kris City, logistics hubs and export-oriented industries in Nellore district.
Sagarmala Programme Scope
Under the Sagarmala programme, 12 last-mile rail and road connectivity projects have been identified for Krishnapatnam Port. Of these, Rs 2,212 crore have been completed, while seven of the nine identified road projects, involving an investment of Rs 16,021.51 crore, are under implementation.
Project Components
The projects include doubling and electrification of the Krishnapatnam–Venkatachalam railway line, the Obulavaripalle–Venkatachalam rail link, a railway connection between Gudur and Krishnapatnam South Port, the Nellore–Krishnapatnam four-lane road, the Naidupeta–Krishnapatnam six-lane road, dedicated port connectivity roads, a greenfield road near Kandaleru Creek and upgradation of the Ballari–Krishnapatnam National Highway.
Strategic Intent and Next Steps
Completion of the projects would improve cargo movement, attract investment and accelerate industrialisation and employment generation in the Krishnapatnam region. The MP urged the Centre to ensure timely completion of the projects and extend further assistance under the Sagarmala programme.
Work on the first phase of Kris City is progressing steadily over 2,500 acres, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,100 crore, with major infrastructure works expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
Development Authority and Governance
The project is being developed by Krishnapatnam Industrial City Development Limited under a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) and the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), with equal equity participation from the centre and the state.
Development phases
Frequently asked questions
What is the total value of Sagarmala connectivity projects around Krishnapatnam Port?
Road and railway connectivity projects worth more than Rs 18,233 crore have been completed or are under implementation.
How much of the Sagarmala investment is already completed?
Rs 2,212 crore have been completed, while seven of the nine identified road projects, involving an investment of Rs 16,021.51 crore, are under implementation.
Which rail projects are planned to connect Krishnapatnam Port?
Projects include doubling and electrification of the Krishnapatnam–Venkatachalam railway line, the Obulavaripalle–Venkatachalam rail link, and a railway connection between Gudur and Krishnapatnam South Port.
What is Kris City and how does it relate to these connectivity projects?
Kris City is a proposed development that these connectivity projects are expected to support, along with logistics hubs and export-oriented industries in Nellore district. Over a 20-year horizon, the city is expected to support nearly 4.67 lakh workers and 2.91 lakh residents, backed by a projected investment of Rs 37,500 crore.
Who brought this matter to Parliament and why?
Rajya Sabha member Beeda Masthan Rao Yadav asked about the projects and urged the Centre to ensure timely completion and extend further assistance under Sagarmala.
When is Phase I of Kris City expected to be completed?
Major infrastructure works of Phase I are expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
Who is developing Krishnapatnam Industrial Area and under what framework?
The project is being developed by Krishnapatnam Industrial City Development Limited under a special purpose vehicle formed by NICDIT and APIIC, with equal equity participation from the centre and the state.