Rajya Sabha MP Mastan Rao Yadav has urged the Centre to develop an integrated multi-modal logistics corridor along the Buckingham Canal in SPSR Nellore district, highlighting its potential to reduce logistics costs and ease highway congestion.
The Buckingham Canal, stretching 426 km, forms part of National Waterway-4 and consists of a 316-km northern section between Pedaganjam and Chennai Central, and a 110-km southern section between Chennai Central and Marakkanam. The tidal canal currently faces challenges such as dry stretches during non-monsoon periods and encroachments in several sections.
During a special mention in Parliament, Mr. Yadav proposed a pilot project featuring a 60-metre canal corridor alongside a 30-metre road corridor connecting Krishnapatnam Port and Ramayapatnam Port. He said the project would significantly lower logistics costs, reduce traffic pressure on National Highways, support five to six nearby industrial cities, and generate local employment opportunities.
Responding to the proposal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has already undertaken a hydrographic survey of National Waterway-4, including the Buckingham Canal. He asked the MP to await the survey findings and also stressed the importance of the State government’s role in clearing encroachments and restoring damaged canal infrastructure.