After years of delay and administrative hurdles, Phase-3 of the Guntur Inner Ring Road (IRR) is finally moving ahead, with tenders now issued for the project’s last leg. The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has floated tenders for constructing a crucial 4.5 km segment between Swarnabharathi Nagar and Palakaluru. The estimated cost for this stretch is ₹48 crore, and once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce congestion across Guntur’s core urban areas.
The IRR was originally conceptualized in 2005 by the now-defunct Vijayawada Guntur Tenali Mangalagiri (VGTM) Urban Development Authority. The road was planned as a strategic route to divert heavy vehicular traffic coming from Palnadu and western parts of Guntur district, thereby easing pressure on the city’s internal roads and improving access to National Highway-65 and Vijayawada.
The first two phases of the project, covering a combined length of 6.7 km were completed by 2018. However, Phase-3 faced prolonged delays due to shifting administrative boundaries, land acquisition issues, compensation-related bottlenecks, and inconsistent political support over the years.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, expressed satisfaction over the progress and called the tender announcement a crucial breakthrough. He emphasized that the Inner Ring Road is not merely a bypass, but a vital piece of infrastructure that will support Guntur’s long-term growth and connectivity. He also appreciated the coordination between APCRDA, the municipal department, and local MLA B. Ramanjayaneyulu in reviving the project.
To address land acquisition challenges, the government has already disbursed ₹6.73 crore as compensation to affected families. Those awaiting full payments have been provided interim assistance to ensure continuity and transparency in the process.
The tender window remains open until 1 August, and authorities are hopeful that construction can commence shortly afterward, marking the beginning of the final phase of the long-awaited road corridor.
In a further boost to local infrastructure, Minister Pemmasani also laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the stalled Nandivelugu Railway Overbridge in Guntur East. Estimated at ₹36.91 crore, the project aims to eliminate bottlenecks in the area and enhance connectivity across this urban stretch.
Once completed, both projects are expected to dramatically improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and foster economic and residential development in and around Guntur city.