The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is all set to undertake a feasibility study on construction of more flyovers in the city, keeping the manifold increase in vehicular traffic in view.
The proposal to undertake a comprehensive study on the stretches between Gajuwaka and the Car Shed area was discussed even as the construction of the much-needed flyover at NAD Kotha Road is under way.
The work began during the tenure of the first Metropolitan Commissioner P. Basanth Kumar.
The proposal was approved and a provision was made in the VMRDA budget tabled for the 2019-20 financial year.
It was one of the two files signed by the first Chairman of VMRDA Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao after he assumed office last week, the other being the interim relief for employees.
The study is likely to be made at a few most crucial traffic intersections such as Gajuwaka, Hanumathavaka and Car Shed at Madhurawada.
“The proposal is being pursued and the study is aimed at offering solutions to ease the long waiting time at traffic signals,” a VMRDA official says.
Such studies were conducted earlier, especially when a number of flyovers and underpasses were mooted along the National Highway-16 when its expansion was proposed. However, the project was not materialised and the Anandapuram-Anakapalle highway project was taken up.
Modalities
The present study will estimate the traffic density by measuring the passenger car units (PCUs) at the peak hours at junctions.
“If the PCU count crosses 10,000 per an hour, a flyover or an underpass is mandatory. Otherwise depending on the traffic, other options will be explored,” sources say.
The study will also take into consideration the projections of traffic growth for the next 20 years, it is learnt.
The study will help form the conceptual plan and the basic cost.
Once any proposal materialises and funding is available, detailed project report (DPR) can be prepared, sources add.
The VMRDA is expected to call for Request for Proposal (RFP) for the feasibility study in the next few weeks.