Road users fume as NHexpansion works drag on

Inordinate delay in the execution of road expansion works on National Highways 16 and 216 is posing a challenge to road users in East Godavari district.

The district accounts for a stretch of 1,200 km of national highways and roads connecting major places such as Kakinada-Kathipudi and Kakinada-Amalapuram are under repair and renovation.

“The distance between Kakinada and Pithapuram is just 15 km, but it takes about one hour on a two-wheeler and about 45 minutes to negotiate this stretch. One lane is closed to traffic to facilitate the works and this is leading to traffic jams,” says G.S.K.D. Venkata Rao, who runs a private school in Pithapuram and travels between the two places daily.

Reported differences between local elected representative and the contracting agency halted the expansion works in the route for some time and now they are moving at a snail’s pace. Same is the case with the Kakinada-Amalapuram stretch. “The stretch at Mummidivaram is really dangerous with accidents taking place even during daytime,” observes K. Prasad, a professional photographer and a regular traveller in the route.

Caution signs

The 55-km-long Kakinada-Rajanagaram ADB Road poses a unique challenge to the drivers. Considered to be one of the best roads in the district, this road often hits the headlines for the road accidents. After a careful examination of the case studies, the officials have come to the conclusion that the smooth texture is the reason.

“We have noticed an increase in the number of road accidents in the district of late and asked the National Highways Authority of India and the Roads and Buildings Department to install signboards in places where repair works are under progress. Installation of radium boards will help those who travel at night,” says Vishal Gunni, Superintendent of Police.