Traffic restrictions for Simhachalam Giripradakshina raise concerns among commuters

With an estimated five lakh devotees expected to take part in the annual Simhachalam Giripradakshina on July 28 and 29, the district administration has imposed extensive traffic restrictions across Visakhapatnam, raising concerns among residents about the likely disruption to daily commuting.

Police said vehicular movement on several arterial roads would be regulated from July 28 to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and prevent congestion. The traffic plan was finalised by a committee headed by District Collector Abhishek Kishore after reviewing last year’s arrangements, when increased pilgrim turnout and traffic diversions resulted in bottlenecks at several locations.

Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi said in a statement on Friday that no vehicles would be allowed to enter the city from 12 noon on July 28. The restrictions will remain in force on identified routes until the pilgrimage concludes.

The curbs apply to private vehicles, including two-wheelers and autorickshaws, on designated stretches, while APSRTC buses will also be diverted on select routes. Restrictions will be enforced at Hanumanthuwaka, Appughar, Isukathota Junction, Maddilapalem, Adavivaram, Vepagunta and Simhachalam, affecting the entire corridor from Anandapuram to Gajuwaka.

The announcement has triggered concern among residents and commuters, particularly those from Anandapuram, Kommadi, Madhurawada, PM Palem and Endada, who said the restrictions would significantly affect access to the city.

Some residents questioned the decision to impose restrictions starting at noon on July 28, noting that devotees typically begin the Giripradakshina only in the late afternoon. Others suggested that the administration could restrict heavy vehicles while allowing limited movement of private vehicles to reduce inconvenience without compromising crowd management.

Residents said restrictions on the National Highway, one of Visakhapatnam’s busiest traffic corridors, could disrupt traffic across the city. They urged the administration to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims while minimising inconvenience to commuters.

According to the traffic advisory, vehicular movement between Hanumanthuwaka and Adavivaram will be prohibited in both directions from 6 a.m. on July 28 until 2 p.m. on July 29. Traffic between Visakha Valley Junction and Maddilapalem will be suspended from 12 noon on July 28. Between Vepagunta Junction and Old Goshala, only APSRTC buses will be permitted from 6 a.m. on July 28 until 6 p.m. on July 29, with all other vehicles barred from using the route.