The civic body is finally gearing up to comprehensively revamp the road traffic infrastructure.
The lack of proper road infrastructure and traffic management systems such as signals has been the greatest disadvantage as the city is witnessing an increase in the number of vehicles day by day.
The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation is now going to spend about ₹2 to 3 crore for the development of traffic infrastructure and revamp existing ones in three months, according to Municipal Commissioner J. Nivas. The focus would be on pedestrian safety.
“We are beginning it by establishing signals and crossings for pedestrians at all the road junctions where traffic signals exist now. So far there is no scope given for pedestrian crossings. In a day or two, we will run a trail of such crossings with 30 to 60 second signal time at the PWD Grounds junction. Later it will be implemented at all other junctions,” Mr. Nivas said.
On the stretches of roads where there are no junctions, signals exclusive for pedestrian crossing would be established, Mr. Nivas said referring to the Benz Circle-IGMC Stadium stretch of the M.G. Road where junctions were closed. “On the sides of the road, there will be push-to-walk buttons. Pedestrians can press them, signal the traffic and cross the road.”
Mr. Nivas further said the civic body would spend more than ₹2 crore for the project and already ₹80 lakh for maintenance had been allotted.
“After discussing the particulars of the project with the Commissioner of Police, we will proceed with the plan for revamping,” Mr. Nivas said.
Contrary to the civic body’s plan, a couple of weeks ago Mayor Koneru Sreedhar told police officials that the Corporation would not be able to provide the funds for road infrastructure as it was facing financial crisis. Mr. Sreedhar asked the police department to come up with plans for subway walkways. He said plans would be forwarded to the APCRDA that assured help in developing infrastructure.
