Vijayawada, August 5, 2013: The Kanakadurga flyover project seems to be gaining momentum with the State government sanctioning Rs. 90 lakh to engage consultants for preparation of DPR for the work of four-laning of the missing link between Bhavanipuram and Varadhi junction connecting NH-9 and NH-5 in the city.

Though the government has not said explicitly on whether the flyover would be constructed or not, it is learnt that the consultants would be asked to explore the possibility of constructing flyover at the foot of Indrakeeladri hill.

The government issued GO 737 on August 2 stating that the funds would be debited from BE provision under Head of Account Plan 5054-03-MH-337-GH-11-SH (04)-Highway works 280 professional services-284 other payments. The Engineer in Chief (R&B) NH should take necessary action.

The bottleneck at the foot of Indrakeedri hill atop which is the Kanakadurga temple leads to frequent traffic jam on national highway beyond Bhavanipuram. The traffic problem worsens during festival season. The flyover was mooted as a solution to traffic woes. The people living in Vidyadharapuram, Bhavanipuram, and One Town face hardship due to frequent traffic jam on this narrow stretch between the hill and the river.

There has been a consistent demand for the flyover from residents. The proposal hangs in balance and has become a topic between political parties.

Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal has been opposing the flyover on the plea that Outer Ring Road (ORR) would solve the traffic problem, while the principal opposition TDP has been agitating for it for many years now.

The residents’ hopes were rekindled with Union Minister of State for Surface Transport Sarve Satyanarayana asserting, in April this year, that the construction works would commence before the end of tenure of the present government. The funds would be sanctioned and a foundation stone would be laid soon, he said during his visit to the city. Meanwhile, the State government sanctioned the four-laning of connecting link.

Spource: The Hindu, DT. August 5, 2013.