The National Highways Authority (NHAI) has presented a plan to address Visakhapatnam’s escalating traffic woes through the construction of flyovers at critical junctions. However, a more progressive proposal from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has emerged as a potential game-changer.
During a high-level meeting held at the airport lounge on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Naidu championed the construction of elevated corridors at strategic locations within the city. This innovative approach, designed to significantly reduce travel times for motorists, has garnered significant attention from district officials and MLAs present at the meeting.
Previously, local authorities had prioritized the overhaul of national highways connecting Anandapuram, Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka, and Anakapalli via Pendurthi. Flyover construction was envisioned as a key strategy to combat traffic congestion, with the eventual transfer of operational control to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).
A comprehensive traffic flow analysis conducted between Gambhiram and Lankelapalem in Anandapuram mandal identified approximately 30 traffic signals. This data pinpointed critical bottlenecks at major junctions, including Kommadi, Car Shed Junction, Hanumantuwaka, and Gajuwaka Police Station.
Acknowledging the limitations of constructing flyovers at every congested intersection, authorities identified 12 critical locations experiencing the most severe traffic gridlock. Chief Minister Naidu’s proposal seeks to address this challenge by creating two elevated corridors. One corridor would encompass eight junctions, while the other would connect four crucial intersections. A comprehensive report detailing the feasibility and cost analysis of this proposal has been mandated for further evaluation.
NHAI representatives acknowledged the higher costs associated with elevated corridors, estimated at Rs 125 crore per km. However, they expressed their commitment to collaborating with the State government. This includes drafting detailed proposals and expediting the approval process from the Central Government, in line with Chief Minister Naidu’s directives.
This proactive initiative signifies a potential paradigm shift in Visakhapatnam’s approach to traffic management. The proposed elevated corridors hold the promise of significantly alleviating congestion and fostering enhanced connectivity across key urban sectors.
