**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer to Unstarred Question No. 89 in Lok Sabha regarding the Vijayawada-Gundugolanu section of National Highway-16 (NH-16), answered on January 29th, 2026. It addresses the progress, delays, and cost overruns of the six-lane Vijayawada Bypass project. Completion of 4.226 km is targeted for March 31, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Approval:**
* The work of the six-lane Vijayawada Bypass from Gollapudi to Chinnakakani, including a major bridge across the River Krishna (17.6 km), was approved in 2019.
* The total capital cost approved was Rs 1194.59 crore.
* **Completion Status & Target Dates:**
* A completion certificate for 13.410 km length was issued with effect from 30.09.2025.
* The balance work in 4.226 km is targeted for completion by 31.03.2026.
* **Reasons for Delay:**
* Swapping of alignment for a length of 7.25 km with N6 grid road of Amaravati Master Plan as proposed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
* Demand of Government of Andhra Pradesh for provision of additional facilities such as Vehicular Underpasses, Service Roads and Exit/Entry ramps in the Amaravati Capital region, which were not found to be necessary and as such not accepted.
* **Cost Overrun:**
* The additional financial implication due to price escalation caused by the delay is estimated at Rs.30 crore.
**Impact Analysis**
**Government of India (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)**
*Impact:* Required to address delays and cost overruns in the Vijayawada-Gundugolanu section of NH-16 project.
*Action Required:* Monitor the completion of the remaining work by March 31, 2026 and address any further financial implications.
**Government of Andhra Pradesh**
*Impact:* The state government's proposed alignment changes and additional facility demands contributed to project delays.
*Action Required:* Coordinate with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to ensure timely completion of the project and address any remaining concerns.
**Citizens of Andhra Pradesh**
*Impact:* Delayed completion of the Vijayawada Bypass has prolonged traffic congestion and inconvenience.
*Action Required:* Await the project's completion by March 31, 2026, to experience improved transportation efficiency.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The government ministry responsible for the development and maintenance of national highways, including the project mentioned in the question.
National Highway-16 (NH-16): The specific national highway which is the subject of the parliamentary question, particularly the Vijayawada-Gundugolanu section.
Vijayawada-Gundugolanu section of NH-16: The specific road project involving a six-lane bypass and a bridge across the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, which is the focus of the parliamentary question regarding its progress, cost, and delays.
Andhra Pradesh: The state where the road project is located and whose government's actions (alignment changes, additional facilities requests) contributed to the project's delay.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 89
ANSWERED ON 29TH JANUARY, 2026
VIJAYAWADA-GUNDUGOLANU SECTION OF NH-16
89. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार् ग मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is true that the six-lane bypass including a major
bridge across River Krishna as part of the Vijayawada–Gundugolanu
section of National Highway-16 (NH-16) (Package-IV) for nearly 18
kilometres in Andhra Pradesh with an estimated cost of Rs. 1600
crores was approved in 2019, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also true that the total works of the said National
Highway stretch have not yet been completed, if so, the details
thereof;
(c) the targeted date of completion of the said project;
(d) whether there is any cost overrun of the project, if so, the
details thereof; and
(e) the reasons for delay and the anticipated date of completion of
the project?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) to (e) The work of 6-lane Vijayawada Bypass from Gollapudi to
Chinnakakani including major bridge across the River Krishna in the
state of Andhra Pradesh, for a length of 17.6 km was approved in
2019 with a total capital cost of Rs 1194.59 crore. ProvisionalCompletion certificate for 13.410 km length was issued with effect
from 30.09.2025 and the balance work in 4.226 km is targeted for
completion by 31.03.2026.
The completion of the project was delayed due to the
following reasons:
(i) Swapping of alignment for a length of 7.25 km with N6 grid
road of Amaravati Master Plan as proposed by the
Government of Andhra Pradesh.
(ii) Demand of Government of Andhra Pradesh for provision
of additional facilities such as Vehicular Underpasses,
Service Roads and Exit/Entry ramps in the Amaravati
Capital region, which were not found to be necessary and
as such not accepted.
Additional financial implication in the form of price escalation
due to delay of project is estimated to Rs.30 crore.
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