The Central Government has granted in-principle approval for an ambitious Rs 83,500 crore greenfield Coastal National Highway project. 

This 200-kilometer six-lane highway will be a pivotal artery, connecting key strategic assets across the three undivided North Coastal districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.

The proposed highway is designed to link Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam district with the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district and Bheemili in Visakhapatnam district. 

This connectivity is crucial for enhancing regional accessibility, boosting logistics, and catalyzing industrial development, aquaculture, and tourism along the state's coastline.

The initiative follows a recent request from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who reportedly gave his in-principle nod to the project. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has also expressed strong interest, viewing the highway as a significant catalyst for the region's overall development.

One of the key drivers behind this substantial investment is the potential for industrial growth. Notably, American energy giant ExxonMobil has previously expressed interest in establishing a greenfield polyethylene industry near the Mulapeta Port area, with an estimated investment of Rs 83,500 crore, mirroring the cost of the highway itself.