Vijayawada received a significant infrastructure boost just ahead of Sankranti. On Friday, authorities inaugurated a crucial section of the long-awaited West Bypass. This opening promises to alleviate chronic traffic congestion within the city and streamline travel between districts.
New Route Details and Inauguration Ceremony
The newly operational segment connects Kaja in Mangalagiri mandal, Guntur district, to Pedalavutupally in Krishna district. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials conducted traditional religious ceremonies to mark the occasion. Following the rituals, they formally opened the stretch for public use. NHAI vehicles led the inaugural procession, with general traffic flowing shortly after.
Improved Travel Corridors
This development creates new, efficient pathways for commuters. Vehicles arriving from Chennai and Guntur can now enter the West Bypass immediately after the Kaja Toll Plaza. From there, the route proceeds via Gollapudi and Chinna Awatapalli, eventually merging onto the highway towards Eluru.
Similarly, motorists traveling from Guntur towards Hyderabad gain a major advantage. They can now access the Vijayawada–Hyderabad National Highway directly at Gollapudi. This allows them to completely bypass the crowded Vijayawada city limits, saving considerable time.
Official Statements and Current Limitations
Vijayawada Traffic DCO Shreen Begum highlighted the project's importance. "This bypass will significantly reduce traffic pressure in Vijayawada, especially during festival seasons," she stated. "Commuters travelling towards Eluru and Hyderabad will now have a faster and hassle-free route."
However, officials noted a temporary restriction. Traffic entering the bypass from the Gollapudi side cannot currently proceed towards Kaja. Certain construction works remain ongoing along that section. For now, vehicles from Gollapudi must cross the Krishna River bridge. They can then use the Seed Access Road to connect to the Mangalagiri–Mandadam Road. This path leads towards the Secretariat and High Court areas.
Future Timeline and Toll Collection
NHAI authorities provided a clear timeline for the project's completion. The remaining carriageway of the West Bypass is scheduled to open by March. This final phase is expected to further enhance regional connectivity and reduce urban traffic bottlenecks.
Regarding tolls, NHAI confirmed that collection at the Venkatapalem plaza will commence only after the entire bypass is fully operational and opened to the public. The partial opening marks a critical step toward completing this vital infrastructure project.
