Second ghat road planned to ease Kailasagiri traffic

With tourist footfall at Kailasagiri rising, the VMRDA has stepped up plans for a second ghat road to the popular hilltop destination to ease traffic congestion.

VMRDA in-charge commissioner Ketan Garg, who inspected Kailasagiri and Thotlakonda with senior officials on Saturday, directed them to take immediate steps to take up the proposed road project.

Kailasagiri currently has only one approach road, leading to traffic bottlenecks, particularly during peak tourist hours. Garg said an alternative route was essential and asked officials to expedite the construction of the second ghat road.

He also reviewed the development projects proposed for Kailasagiri and directed officials to identify suitable land for an Energy Park, for which the state government has expressed interest.

Garg expressed displeasure over incomplete accommodation facilities being developed for tourists. Pointing out the shortage of tourist accommodation in Visakhapatnam, he directed officials to speed up the proposed resort project and ensure that it has 25 rooms.

He also directed the VMRDA to consult leading hotel owners in the city and incorporate their suggestions while planning and improving tourism infrastructure.

The commissioner called for a comprehensive master plan for Kailasagiri to guide its development and meet the city’s future tourism and infrastructure needs.

Later, Garg inspected the proposed development site at Thotlakonda. He directed officials to develop a park along the Beach Road to create a pleasant recreational space for visitors and residents and asked them to submit proposals without delay.

He also inspected VMRDA-developed layouts in the area and reviewed the infrastructure and proposed development works.

VMRDA secretary Muralikrishna, EO Dayanidhi, chief engineer Vinay Kumar, DFO Ramanamurthy, additional secretary Rishibabu, AO Venkateswara Rao and SE Rambabu accompanied Garg during the inspection.