The number of devotees taking up the annual ‘Giri Pradakshina’ on Giri Purnima day is on the rise and this year it is estimated that over 4 lakh people participated. But this annual circumambulation of the Simhachalam Hill is creating huge traffic issues.
In normal days itself the movement of vehicles and pedestrians is very high in certain areas, especially in Hanumantawaka and Venkojipalem junctions. Huge traffic jams for hours together were witnessed at both these junctions on Giri Purnima day, said Joint Commissioner of Police D. Nagendra Kumar.
In a traffic awareness meeting held here on Tuesday, it was decided to build under passes at both the junctions to ease the traffic, said Mr. Nagendra Kumar.
The meeting was attended by the Collector, GVMC Commissioner, NHAI, RTA officials and other stake holders.
“We have recommended the construction of the two under passes on a war-footing and it will be taken up by the GVMC and the NHAI,” said Mr. Nagendra Kumar.
This apart, about 107 black spots (hazardous locations) have been identified in the city limits, along the 70-km NH stretch. According to Mr. Nagendra Kumar, in the last three months the overall accident rate has dropped by 16 % and fatalities by 26 %.
