Vijayawada’s 2026 Wishlist: Citizens demand action on long-pending projects

As Vijayawada steps into 2026, expectations are high while patience is wearing thin. While construction activity in Amaravati has gathered momentum, Vijayawada, an inseparable part of the capital region, continues to struggle with long-pending infrastructure gaps. From choking traffic and unfinished flyovers to flooding during mild showers, residents believe 2026 must be the year when promises translate into progress. Greater Vijayawada For nearly two decades, residents have been demanding the formation of Greater Vijayawada. Around 72 villages on the city's outskirts remain outside municipal limits, struggling with inadequate roads, drinking water shortages, and poor sanitation despite being just a few kilometres from Krishna river. The state govt has announced that the process will begin after the population census. Citizens are hopeful that 2026 will finally see administrative expansion, bringing civic amenities and planned growth to these neglected areas.Integrated Terminal Declared an international airport eight years ago, Vijayawada airport still lacks a modern integrated terminal. Work that began in 2019 missed multiple deadlines, causing inconvenience to passengers. Recently, chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed dissatisfaction with the delays and directed officials to consider changing the contractor. With air traffic steadily increasing, residents expect the long-delayed terminal to be completed in 2026.West BypassThe NH-16 cutting through Vijayawada has turned daily commuting into a test of patience. Constant traffic jams have divided the city. The West Bypass project, aimed at diverting highway traffic away from the city, was scheduled for completion by Oct 2025 but was delayed due to high-voltage line diversion issues near Jakkampudi. Authorities now promise completion by May 2026, a deadline commuters desperately want honoured. Gunadala FlyoverPerhaps no project symbolises Vijayawada's delays better than the Gunadala flyover. The foundation stone was laid in 2009, but work never took off. With three canals, a railway line, and a busy level crossing, nearly three lakh commuters are affected daily. Frequent gate closures result in massive congestion. Now handed over to the railways, officials say construction will begin soon, with completion targeted for Dec 2026.Mahanadu-Nidamanur Flyover Constant traffic chaos at the busy Mahanadu junction prompted demands for a five-kilometre flyover up to Nidamanur. A DPR has already been sent to the Centre for approval. Experts believe this single project could solve nearly 70 percent of Vijayawada's traffic woes. Its execution, however, may depend on the final alignment of the proposed Vijayawada metro. Satellite Railway StationsVijayawada junction remains one of the busiest railway stations in south India. To reduce congestion, Gunadala and Rayalapadu are being developed as satellite stations. With most works nearing completion, residents hope these stations will become operational in 2026, easing passenger load and improving suburban connectivity.Storm Water Drain ProjectRains continue to flood large parts of Vijayawada, exposing the city's fragile drainage system. The ₹460-crore storm water drain project was stalled in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. Now, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation is trying to revive it. City MP Kesineni Shivnath said proposals worth ₹2,000 crore have been sent to the Centre and the state govt for road and drainage modernisation. Bhavani Island Redevelopment Tourism remains Vijayawada's untapped potential. Bhavani Island, the city's prime attraction, is set for redevelopment under PPP model. Plans include a theme park, water sports, resort stays, and houseboats on the Krishna river, inspired by Kerala's backwaters. Citizens hope this long-stalled vision will finally materialise in 2026, putting Vijayawada firmly on the tourism map.