Visakhapatnam: Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is embarking on a comprehensive beautification and development project in Visakhapatnam. Its initiative involves revamping key junctions and expanding major roads to accommodate increasing traffic demands of the city.
GVMC is investing approximately Rs 150 crore on road expansion projects covering 27 major routes. Among these is development of the stretch from Jagadamba junction to Old Post Office.
Other key road extensions include Polamamba Temple to Government Hospital for Mental Care (GHMC) up to Beach Road, Akkayyapalem Road, Gajuwaka 100-Feet Road, Kanithi Road, K. Nagarampalem to NH-16, Visalakshinagar Road, Jodugullapalem, Sithakonda, BRTS Road from NAD Junction to Pendurthi and Anakapalli areas.
A significant highlight of city's redevelopment is construction of a sports theme park at Sujatanagar, costing approximately ₹178 lakh. The ongoing developments in Madhurawada, Rushikonda and Bheemunipatnam areas are set to further enhance the city's infrastructure.
The corporation has also undertaken improvement works along Jagadamba Junction to Queen Victoria Statue, Seven Hills to Jagadamba Junction, Waltair Upland Road, GVMC Main Office to Post Office, South Jail Road to Convent Junction, Satyam Junction to Venkojipalem Junction, Satyam Junction to Rama Talkies, VIP Road from Asilmetta to Spencer, and Gurudwara Junction to LIC Office.
There will be end-to-end paving with BT road from NH Junction to Peda Waltair Junction.
Mayor Golagangi Hari Venkata Kumari said these projects are necessary due to influx of 40,000 new vehicles annually, apart from increasing development and VVIP movement in recent years.
In a parallel effort, major junctions in the city – MVP Circle (Near AS Raja Grounds), Kailasagiri Junction, Jagadamba Junction, Akkayyapalem Junction, and Railway New Colony Junction – are witnessing a substantial makeover. They are undergoing a facelift under the Junctions Development Project led by the Smart City wing of GVMC. Railway New Colony Junction even boasts of a fabricated model steam engine as part of its redevelopment.
Adding to the city's charm, a new clock tower is being installed at Jagadamba Junction, reminiscent of the iconic King George Hospital (KGH) clock tower. Standing at 60 feet with clocks on all four sides, the tower is part of the broader effort of beautifying 20 junctions and 16 roads in the city at a cost of Rs 25 crore.
In addition to the clock tower, a fountain will be erected with beautiful landscaping at an estimated cost of Rs 2.8 crore.
There will also be other water fountains with decorative lights. Funding for the project will be sourced from Smart City funds, according to GVMC Commissioner C.M. Saikanth Varma.
