The much anticipated Kanaka Durga temple flyover would be a reality in next three years, according to Vijayawda MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani). It would take a year for approval of design and budget approval by the Centre, and 24 months thereafter to complete the project, he said.
The bottleneck at the foot of Indrakeeladri leads to frequent traffic jam on national highway beyond Bhavanipuram. The traffic problem worsens during festival season. The flyover was mooted as a solution for the mounting traffic woes.
The MP and Roads and Buildings (National Highways) department officials inspected stretch between Vidyadharapuram and Kanaka Durga varadhi here on Saturday. Later speaking to reporters, Mr. Srinivas said that two viable options have been prepared: constructing a flyover or bridge over river Krishna or a flyover on the existing road.
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The government would send the designs for approval of the Central government shortly. The project is estimated to cost between Rs.175 crore to Rs. 180 crore. The flyover with a length of about 2.7 km is expected to ease traffic snarls near foothill of Indrakeeladri.
“The matter will be pursued with Union surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari. We will try to complete the project in less than 3 years,” the MP said.
TDP Urban president Buddha Venkanna said that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has promised the people that it would construct the flyover. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to take it up on priority, he said.
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The proposal hangs in balance and has become a topic between political parties for quiet some time now. The TDP and Congress party leaders engaged in war of words over the issue. Vijayawada former MP Lagadapati Rajagopal vehemently opposed the flyover, while Mr. Naidu took part in Maha Dharna organised by his partymen couple years ago demanding construction of flyover.
Former union minister of State for Surface Transport Sarve Satyanarayana, during his visit to the city in April 2013, assured that the Centre would fund the project if the cost did not exceed Rs. 100 crore.