Vizag Empties as People Head Home for Sankranti
With Sankranti nearing, Vizag sees chaos at bus and train stations as thousands head home. Traffic eases, while tourism and entertainment thrive
By : Laxmi Pranathi
Update: 2025-01-11 13:39 GMT
Visakhapatnam: With Sankranti festival on the doorstep, thousands of people who are working in Visakhapatnam are leaving for their native places. Their rush has led to chaos at railway and bus stations, which are fully crowded. Buses and trains are chock-a-block, with those heading out with baggage and purchases occupying every inch of the space.
Roads in the port city, which are otherwise congested, are witnessing free flow of traffic on the thoroughfares. As per an estimate almost 50 per cent of residents in Vizag head for their homes to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. The outward mass movement is expected to continue through the weekend, peaking on Sunday and Monday.
APSRTC divisional traffic control manager (DTCM) Satyanarayana told Deccan Chronicle that they deployed about 400 buses on Saturday alone, primarily to the north Andhra region, including Srikakulam, Palasa, Bobbili, Palkonda and Manyam districts. Indian Railways has also announced special trains to accommodate the surge in travellers.
The DTCM disclosed that there is a massive outward movement of people, particularly from areas like Madhurawada, Kommadi, Kancharapalem, Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi and Arilova.
Residents of relatively nearby cities like Vizianagaram are opting to travel by their own vehicles to avoid the rush in public transport.
The impact on the city's commercial landscape will be substantial. Certain businesses and shops are planning to down shutters and enjoy their festival.
City's tourist spots are, however, gearing for increased tourist activity. Popular locations like R.K. Beach, Kailasagiri, Vuda Park, VMRDA Park, Tenneti Park, Thotlakonda, and Rushikonda and Bheemili beaches are expected to draw crowds for traditional kite-flying and festive celebrations.
Vizag’s entertainment sector is gearing up for the holiday rush. The city’s 40 movie theatres are anticipated to run with full capacity. Five new films are scheduled for the Sankranti release, taking advantage of the holidaying crowds.
Roads in the port city, which are otherwise congested, are witnessing free flow of traffic on the thoroughfares. As per an estimate almost 50 per cent of residents in Vizag head for their homes to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. The outward mass movement is expected to continue through the weekend, peaking on Sunday and Monday.
APSRTC divisional traffic control manager (DTCM) Satyanarayana told Deccan Chronicle that they deployed about 400 buses on Saturday alone, primarily to the north Andhra region, including Srikakulam, Palasa, Bobbili, Palkonda and Manyam districts. Indian Railways has also announced special trains to accommodate the surge in travellers.
The DTCM disclosed that there is a massive outward movement of people, particularly from areas like Madhurawada, Kommadi, Kancharapalem, Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi and Arilova.
Residents of relatively nearby cities like Vizianagaram are opting to travel by their own vehicles to avoid the rush in public transport.
The impact on the city's commercial landscape will be substantial. Certain businesses and shops are planning to down shutters and enjoy their festival.
City's tourist spots are, however, gearing for increased tourist activity. Popular locations like R.K. Beach, Kailasagiri, Vuda Park, VMRDA Park, Tenneti Park, Thotlakonda, and Rushikonda and Bheemili beaches are expected to draw crowds for traditional kite-flying and festive celebrations.
Vizag’s entertainment sector is gearing up for the holiday rush. The city’s 40 movie theatres are anticipated to run with full capacity. Five new films are scheduled for the Sankranti release, taking advantage of the holidaying crowds.