The Central government has approved a flyover from Bhavanipuram to Rajiv Gandhi Park near Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and widening the existing road to four-lanes.
Speaking to The Hindu , Vijayawada MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) said that the State government also favoured this option and wrote a letter to the Centre. A presentation was made by the Sheladia Associates, which prepared plans for three options, before the Ministry on March 19. Subsequently, option two was zeroed in. The Centre also had sanctioned Rs. 260 crore for the project, he said.
The government felt that the option-1 that envisaged widening the existing road at the foot of Indrakeeladri hillock would not solve the problem entirely. The option-3 of constructing a flyover from Bhavanipuram to Krishna Lanka fire station going over river Krishna, Prakasam Barrage also had its demerits as it was expensive and required clearances from the irrigation and railway authorities. After considering all these options, the government has decided to consider the option-2 for approval, he explained.
The MP said the Kanaka Durga flyover, (as it was now being called) would be completed in 18 months, once tendering process was completed.
The R&B (National Highways) officials said the stretch of NH between Bhavanipuram and Varadhi junction connecting NH-9 with NH-5 had been transferred to the State from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Now, the government would have powers to invite tenders for preparing the detailed project report for the flyover, they said.
The project is estimated to cost between Rs.175 crore and Rs. 180 crore. The proposed 2.2-km flyover is expected to ease traffic snarls at the foot of Indrakeeladri.
The Kanaka Durga flyover will be completed in 18 months, once tendering process is completed.
Kesineni Srinivas, MP
