Along with the construction of the capital, steps are being fast-tracked to connect Amaravati with surrounding regions through key infrastructure projects. One of the most significant is the Iconic Bridge that will link the Vijayawada–Hyderabad National Highway with Amaravati.

The preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the selection of consultants are now in their final stages. Planned as a six-lane cable-stayed structure across the Krishna River, the bridge will serve as a grand gateway into Amaravati from Hyderabad. Once completed, it is expected to shorten the travel distance by nearly 40 km and create a high-speed transport corridor.

According to the Amaravati master plan, the bridge will connect major arterial roads like NC-13 to the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway. The NC road linkage is almost complete, while NHAI’s six-lane western bypass is in its final phase. The government has now initiated works to link N3 Road with NH-65.

Stretching about 5.22 km from Rayapudi in the capital region to Mulapadu on the opposite bank in NTR district, the bridge is set to transform regional connectivity. The Amaravati Development Authority has already called for bids to prepare the DPR after completing a comprehensive survey. The process is currently at the stage of evaluating technical bids, followed by financial bids for appointing the consultant.

Officials have conducted soil tests in multiple locations. After the selection, the consultant will prepare the DPR, design samples, and estimate construction costs before tenders are floated. Several innovative designs, including unique entryway concepts, will be reviewed, with the best option chosen for execution.

The Iconic Bridge was first proposed by the TDP government, which even performed a foundation ceremony for a design inspired by Kuchipudi dance poses. However, the plan was shelved in 2019. With the new government resuming Amaravati’s development, the bridge proposal has been revived, this time at a different location.

Currently, commuters from the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway must travel nearly 40 km via Mulapadu, Ibrahimpatnam, Gollapudi, and the Prakasam Barrage to reach Amaravati — a route often plagued by heavy traffic. Once the new bridge is complete, drivers will reach Amaravati from Mulapadu in just 5 km, saving almost 90 minutes of travel time and cutting about 35 km from the journey.

Src: https://youtu.be/Rpqm7QgJy8c?si=IFm0_96GPk6rnnUg