Flyover Projects Still on Paper as Vizag Traffic Worsens
Visakhapatnam is struggling with worsening traffic as several long-promised flyover projects remain incomplete even after five years. Despite multiple announcements, the civic body has failed to launch any major project to ease congestion. With the Bhogapuram International Airport expected to open by mid-2026, residents fear the city will face severe traffic chaos.
The Madhurawada and Gajuwaka stretches have become major trouble spots, with commuters and transport vehicles spending hours in slow-moving traffic. Officials had earlier proposed 12 flyovers along the national highway passing through the city, but no visible progress has been made so far.
Members of the Visakhapatnam Apartment Residents Welfare Association (VARWA) and the Greater Visakhapatnam Resident Colony Associations’ Federation (NIVAS) recently protested, demanding the immediate construction of a flyover between Hanumanthawaka and Maddilapalem. The stretch remains one of the busiest corridors in Vizag, witnessing traffic jams throughout the day.
Similar flyovers were planned at Gajuwaka, PM Palem, and Maddilapalem, but construction has yet to begin. Hanumanthawaka Junction, considered the gateway to the city, continues to face long tailbacks during peak hours.
“If the Bhogapuram airport starts operations by 2026, Visakhapatnam will see a major traffic crisis,” said B.B. Ganesh of VARWA.
With the city’s population crossing 20 lakh and vehicle registrations nearing 14 lakh, the pressure on roads keeps rising. The steady inflow of tourists, students, and patients seeking medical services adds to the daily congestion.
“Vizag may be called a smart city, but it still lacks proper roads and reliable public transport,” said social activist G. Srinivas.
Officials say the delay is due to plans to integrate the proposed flyovers with the upcoming Metro Rail project. The government is exploring a double-decker design that would support both systems.
Police say several junctions in the city are now among the busiest in Andhra Pradesh. Despite repeated requests, civic authorities have not built foot-over bridges or subways for pedestrians.