The bustling city of Vijayawada is on the brink of a transformative phase with an array of new projects set to enhance its infrastructure and tourism potential, besides making it contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth, writes Venu Lanka
West Bypass Road
The west bypass road is a key project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city. Starting near Chinna Autpalli in Gannavaram, the bypass will traverse Amaravati and connect to NH-16 near NRA medical college in Guntur. The construction of the 3km Arulanda bridge over Krishna river is nearing completion, with nearly 85% of work completed. The bypass is likely to open by March 2025, though a high court stay on realigning of high-tension wires at Jakkampudi could cause a slight delay.
Mahanadu Road-Nidamanur FlyoverTraffic problems between Mahanadu Junction and Nidamanur on NH-16 are being addressed through a 6km flyover. The central govt has approved the project, and detailed project report (DPR) is ready. The work is expected to commence in May 2025.
Amaravati Metro Rail
Amaravati Metro Rail project is back on track, and likely to start by July 2025, beginning with two primary corridors in Vijayawada. The first will run from Gannavaram to Kaleswara Rao market, while the second will connect Kaleswara Rao market to Kankipadu via Bandar Road. A third corridor will link the city to Amaravati. With the central govt to fund a major part of the project, AP govt has accelerated preparation of DPR to meet project timelines.
Vijayawada Airport Integrated Terminal
Work on Vijayawada international airport’s integrated terminal is advancing steadily. Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has confirmed that the ₹611 crore project will be operational by June 2025. The terminal is expected to boost international connectivity, cementing Vijayawada’s position as a key aviation hub.
Jakkampudi Economic CityLaunched in 2017, the Jakkampudi economic city project, which includes affordable housing and a ‘walk-to-work’ concept, was stalled in 2019. With Nara Chandrababu Naidu back at the helm, the project has been revived. The govt plans to establish 400 MSME units in the region, creating significant employment opportunities.
Kondapalli Fort BeautificationThe govt is focusing on developing Kondapalli fort, which is around 15 km from Vijayawada, into a prominent tourist and wedding destination. Collaborative efforts between the tourism and museum departments aim to restore and modernize the historic hilltop fort will turn it into a key attraction in Amaravati region.
Automobile HubJawahar Autonagar, the state’s largest automobile hub, is witnessing a revival as Machilipatnam port nears completion. Once serving over 30,000 trucks, the hub is regaining momentum post-Covid, with the govt taking proactive steps to reinvigorate the automobile sector in Vijayawada.
Real Estate Boom
Real estate in Vijayawada is flourishing again, fuelled by the Amaravati capital project and the Vijayawada east bypass alignment. Land values have surged, attracting prominent investors from Mumbai and Hyderabad. The CREDAI Amaravati chapter has predicted a 60% growth in the sector by 2025, cementing Vijayawada as a prime real estate destination.
Development Of Ponds
To address future water needs, the govt is prioritizing the development of chain ponds in Vijayawada. Revitalization efforts are underway for Payakapuram pond, alongside plans to develop ponds in growing areas like Nanna, Kankipadu, and Nidamanuru. These projects aim to secure the city’s drinking water supply for decades to come.
Bhavani Island
Bhavani Island, once a hub for water sports and ecotourism, suffered severe damage during the 2024 floods. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with plans to reintroduce activities such as parasailing and paragliding. The tourism department is exploring public-private partnerships to further enhance the island’s appeal.
West Bypass Road
The west bypass road is a key project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city. Starting near Chinna Autpalli in Gannavaram, the bypass will traverse Amaravati and connect to NH-16 near NRA medical college in Guntur. The construction of the 3km Arulanda bridge over Krishna river is nearing completion, with nearly 85% of work completed. The bypass is likely to open by March 2025, though a high court stay on realigning of high-tension wires at Jakkampudi could cause a slight delay.
Mahanadu Road-Nidamanur FlyoverTraffic problems between Mahanadu Junction and Nidamanur on NH-16 are being addressed through a 6km flyover. The central govt has approved the project, and detailed project report (DPR) is ready. The work is expected to commence in May 2025.
Amaravati Metro Rail
Amaravati Metro Rail project is back on track, and likely to start by July 2025, beginning with two primary corridors in Vijayawada. The first will run from Gannavaram to Kaleswara Rao market, while the second will connect Kaleswara Rao market to Kankipadu via Bandar Road. A third corridor will link the city to Amaravati. With the central govt to fund a major part of the project, AP govt has accelerated preparation of DPR to meet project timelines.
Vijayawada Airport Integrated Terminal
Work on Vijayawada international airport’s integrated terminal is advancing steadily. Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has confirmed that the ₹611 crore project will be operational by June 2025. The terminal is expected to boost international connectivity, cementing Vijayawada’s position as a key aviation hub.
Jakkampudi Economic CityLaunched in 2017, the Jakkampudi economic city project, which includes affordable housing and a ‘walk-to-work’ concept, was stalled in 2019. With Nara Chandrababu Naidu back at the helm, the project has been revived. The govt plans to establish 400 MSME units in the region, creating significant employment opportunities.
Kondapalli Fort BeautificationThe govt is focusing on developing Kondapalli fort, which is around 15 km from Vijayawada, into a prominent tourist and wedding destination. Collaborative efforts between the tourism and museum departments aim to restore and modernize the historic hilltop fort will turn it into a key attraction in Amaravati region.
Automobile HubJawahar Autonagar, the state’s largest automobile hub, is witnessing a revival as Machilipatnam port nears completion. Once serving over 30,000 trucks, the hub is regaining momentum post-Covid, with the govt taking proactive steps to reinvigorate the automobile sector in Vijayawada.
Real Estate Boom
Real estate in Vijayawada is flourishing again, fuelled by the Amaravati capital project and the Vijayawada east bypass alignment. Land values have surged, attracting prominent investors from Mumbai and Hyderabad. The CREDAI Amaravati chapter has predicted a 60% growth in the sector by 2025, cementing Vijayawada as a prime real estate destination.
Development Of Ponds
To address future water needs, the govt is prioritizing the development of chain ponds in Vijayawada. Revitalization efforts are underway for Payakapuram pond, alongside plans to develop ponds in growing areas like Nanna, Kankipadu, and Nidamanuru. These projects aim to secure the city’s drinking water supply for decades to come.
Bhavani Island
Bhavani Island, once a hub for water sports and ecotourism, suffered severe damage during the 2024 floods. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with plans to reintroduce activities such as parasailing and paragliding. The tourism department is exploring public-private partnerships to further enhance the island’s appeal.
