Traffic curbs planned for Giri Pradakshina
Anticipating a record turnout for the annual Giri Pradakshina of the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Simhachalam on July 28 and 29, the Visakhapatnam City Police are considering imposing a complete ban on vehicular movement along the Maddilapalem-Hanumanthawaka corridor, one of the city’s busiest arterial roads.
If approved, it will be the first time this stretch is declared a no-vehicle zone during the annual pilgrimage. The restriction is proposed from 3 p.m. on July 28 to 1 a.m. on July 29, when pedestrian movement along the 32-km circumambulation route is expected to peak.
Police officials said the number of devotees rises sharply from the afternoon, making crowd management difficult on roads carrying heavy traffic. Restrictions are already enforced every year on the Tholipavancha-Hanumanthawaka stretch and between Appughar and Kurupam Junction, where thousands take a holy dip before continuing the trek.
“The proposal is primarily aimed at ensuring devotees’ safety. If implemented, this would probably be the first time such an important stretch is closed to vehicles during the Giri Pradakshina,” a senior police officer said.
Officials said the movement pattern of pilgrims has changed over the years, with more devotees now using the Hanumanthawaka-Venkojipalem route instead of proceeding via Appughar, increasing pedestrian density along the corridor. Dedicated walking lanes are created with ropes every year, but Hanumanthawaka Junction remains a major bottleneck.
“Traffic has to be stopped at regular intervals to allow devotees to cross safely, resulting in severe congestion. Managing pedestrian and vehicular movement simultaneously has become a herculean task,” the officer added.
More than 3.20 lakh devotees participated in the Giri Pradakshina in 2025, and officials expect higher numbers this year.
In-charge Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Annepu Narasimha Murthy said detailed diversion plans would be announced soon. Authorities are also considering a holiday for educational institutions on the day of the pilgrimage to reduce traffic congestion.