NH diversion plan fails as heavy vehicles flood Vizag roads

Visakhapatnam: Despite the Anandapuram–Anakapalle stretch of National Highway-16 becoming operational, traffic chaos in Vizag city remains unresolved. Traffic police attempted to divert heavy vehicles via the new highway at Lankelapalem and near Anakapalle to curb rising road crashes and congestion. However, several heavy vehicles continue to ply through core city roads.The six-lane, 52-km highway via Pendurthi and Sabbavaram is largely complete, except for a few stretches. Heavy vehicles bound for Anakapalle, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada from Srikakulam are required to divert at Anandapuram instead of entering Vizag. Similarly, vehicles heading towards Srikakulam, Odisha, and West Bengal from Anakapalle must divert near Anakapalle without passing through the city.Yet, traffic snarls persist at Kommadai, Yendada, Hanumanthuwaka, Isukathota, Thatichetlapalem, Kancharapalem, Gajuwaka, and Kurmannapalem, as heavy vehicles continue to enter city roads during peak hours. Vehicular speeds have dropped to 15–20 kmph in several locations, particularly between Hanumanthuwaka–Maddilapalem and Kommadi–PM Palem (stadium).As per norms, heavy vehicles are permitted on city roads only between 10 pm and 8 am. However, violations during restricted hours have triggered congestion and crashes, residents say. "Strict enforcement is needed to prevent entry of heavy vehicles during restricted hours, and private buses must also be regulated," said Srinivas Reddy, a Vizag resident.Despite the new highway, commuters complain of long travel times. "It still takes 45–50 minutes to reach Ramnagar from Kommadi," said Ravi Teja, a private employee. Police officials added that cases are being booked against violators, though drivers cite various reasons for entering city limits.