Visakhapatnam Traffic Gridlock Unabated Despite Operational Anandapuram-Anakapalle Highway Stretch
Despite the recent operationalization of the Anandapuram–Anakapalle segment of National Highway-16, traffic chaos in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) city remains a persistent and unresolved issue. Traffic police have implemented measures to divert heavy vehicles via the new highway at Lankelapalem and near Anakapalle, aiming to curb the rising incidence of road crashes and severe congestion. However, these efforts have proven insufficient as numerous heavy vehicles continue to ply through the core city roads, exacerbating the traffic situation.
Highway Completion and Mandatory Diversion Routes
The six-lane, 52-kilometer highway via Pendurthi and Sabbavaram is largely complete, with only a few stretches remaining unfinished. According to regulations, heavy vehicles traveling from Srikakulam to destinations such as Anakapalle, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada are required to divert at Anandapuram, thereby avoiding entry into Vizag. Conversely, vehicles heading from Anakapalle towards Srikakulam, Odisha, and West Bengal must divert near Anakapalle, bypassing the city entirely. Despite these clear directives, compliance has been lacking.
Persistent Traffic Snarls and Reduced Vehicular Speeds
Traffic snarls continue to plague key areas including Kommadai, Yendada, Hanumanthuwaka, Isukathota, Thatichetlapalem, Kancharapalem, Gajuwaka, and Kurmannapalem. Heavy vehicles persistently enter city roads during peak hours, leading to significant congestion. Vehicular speeds have plummeted to a mere 15–20 kilometers per hour in several locations, particularly between Hanumanthuwaka–Maddilapalem and Kommadi–PM Palem (stadium). This slowdown has severely impacted daily commutes and overall traffic flow.
Regulatory Violations and Enforcement Challenges
As per established norms, heavy vehicles are permitted on city roads only between 10 pm and 8 am. However, frequent violations during restricted hours have triggered congestion and increased the risk of crashes, as reported by local residents. "Strict enforcement is imperative to prevent the entry of heavy vehicles during restricted hours, and private buses must also be regulated to ensure compliance," emphasized Srinivas Reddy, a concerned Vizag resident. Police officials have acknowledged the issue, noting that cases are being booked against violators, though drivers often cite various reasons for entering city limits, complicating enforcement efforts.
Commuters' Frustrations and Travel Time Woes
Despite the availability of the new highway, commuters express frustration over prolonged travel times. "It still takes 45–50 minutes to reach Ramnagar from Kommadi, which is unacceptable given the new infrastructure," lamented Ravi Teja, a private employee. This sentiment underscores the gap between infrastructure development and effective traffic management, highlighting the need for more robust measures to ensure that the highway's benefits are fully realized by the public.
