Traffic woes on Gudivada-Bantumilli Road here are unending. Long traffic jams on the narrow road have become order of the day. Frequent traffic jams are created by Lorries that are parked for loading or unloading of goods.
In spite of being a strategic location connecting the commercial hub of Gudivada with the rest of the town, Gudivada-Bantumilli road has seen little or no development over the years. Issues pertaining to traffic are the foremost which need to be addressed.
Though there is a rise in commercial activity, the authorities concerned have done little to ease the traffic problem. The traffic in the area has made the life tough as maneuvering their vehicles on this stretch of road has become a daunting task. The parking along the narrow road and encroachments are also a major reason for traffic jams, the locals say.
There is a proposal to widen the road to 100 ft. There were some efforts during Navin Mittal's tenure as District Collector. The issue gained momentum as the municipal authorities had made makings also. The residents, however, resisted vehemently. The road is not uniform and varies in width from point to point. It is very narrow near Masjid and some owners would have to forego large chunk of land if it were to be widened.
The proposals that were mooted in 90s were shelved thereafter. In fact, none are claiming the responsibility of the road. The Gudivada Municipal authorities say that National Highways (NH) had some plans to widen the road. But, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Roads and Buildings (National Highway) authorities have stated that they had no such plans.
“We have been reading that the road will be widened. But, there is a strong lobby against the proposal as many of the owners lose their valuable properties,” says a shopkeeper, who did not want to be quoted.
Though there is a stiff opposition from the land owners, the people strongly feel that the road should be widened.
At least the Lorries should not be allowed during daytime. Either one-way traffic should be allowed on the narrow stretch with strict vigil by the cops, said Aravind, a college student.
