Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has formally inaugurated Phase 2 of the E-3 Seed Access Road along with two newly constructed steel bridges at Undavalli. Describing the project as the "Royal Road" and the primary gateway to Amaravati, the Chief Minister stated that opening this nine-lane arterial corridor represents a key step towards building a world-class urban centre aimed at anchoring the state's economic future. Accompanied by Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana and Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Naidu unveiled the inauguration plaque at Undavalli, walked across the new steel bridges to inspect the infrastructure, and addressed a large public gathering.
Constructed by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,519 crore, the 21.77-kilometre E-3 Seed Access Corridor spans from Dondapadu to the NH-16 near Manipal Hospital in Tadepalli, passing through Rayapudi, Venkatapalem, Penumaka, and Undavalli. Built as a 60-metre-wide grid-based transit backbone modelled on the structured access roads of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, the corridor directly connects all N-series roads across the capital layout. While the 14.35-kilometre Phase 1 stretch was completed previously, the newly opened 3.92-kilometre Phase 2 incorporates two major steel structures — a 110-metre bridge over the Buckingham Canal and a 280-metre bridge spanning Kondaveeti Vagu and the Guntur Channel — built at a combined cost of Rs 82 crore. Featuring a distinctive 'A'-shaped welcome pylon at the entrance, these bridges establish direct access from Vijayawada and Mangalagiri into Amaravati while easing traffic pressure on the Karakatta road. The final 3.50-kilometre Phase 3 elevated corridor will eventually link the network directly to the national highway at Tadepalli.
Addressing the public, Naidu declared that Amaravati is being developed around five core principles: zero overhead electric cables, abundant blue water bodies, extensive green urban cover, complete green energy integration, and a dedicated quantum and deep-tech ecosystem. He envisioned the capital evolving into a global hub for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, asserting that those who previously dismissed the capital blueprints as mere "graphics" are now seeing the plans turn into reality. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning a 190-kilometre Outer Ring Road and a 96-kilometre Inner Ring Road, confirming that the fully developed capital will be formally dedicated to the nation by Modi in 2028. He also commended local farmers who voluntarily pooled their lands for the capital under the Land Pooling Scheme, noting that their sacrifices remain an enduring inspiration.
During the meeting, Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana outlined the technical alignment of the Seed Access Road and highlighted the vision behind developing Amaravati into an economic powerhouse comparable to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. He recalled that after Andhra Pradesh was left without a capital, Amaravati was selected on the banks of the Krishna River due to its central location and strong transport connectivity. Narayana noted that following the land pooling notification in January 2015, farmers voluntarily handed over 34,000 acres in just 58 days without legal disputes. He criticised the previous administration for stalling construction under the pretext of creating three capitals, explaining that the current government terminated old contracts, floated new tenders, and verified structural quality through IIT Madras and IIT Hyderabad. He added that the Seed Access Corridor includes integrated underground networks for electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications. Following the event, Naidu inspected and formally handed over the newly completed residential complex for MLAs and MLCs at Rayapudi, which features 288 flats across 12 multi-storey towers.
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