Heavy Rains Batter Vijayawada, Minister Narayana Inspects Affected Areas

Vijayawada: Incessant rains accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds pounded Vijayawada city on Sunday evening, inundating streets and low-lying colonies with knee-deep water.

Commuters faced a harrowing time navigating through waterlogged roads, with traffic grinding to a halt at Benz Circle junction. The stretch from Benz Circle to NTR Circle became heavily clogged due to rainwater accumulation. Prompt action was taken by P. Narayana, the newly appointed minister for municipal administration and urban development, who assumed office on Sunday. Narayana, along with Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) commissioner Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar, visited the rain-ravaged areas to assess the situation firsthand.

The minister and commissioner conducted inspections at MG Road and Nirmala Convent Road. Narayana directed officials to prioritise clearing waterlogging and restoring traffic flow on the affected roads. He emphasized coordinated efforts between the water supply, electricity, revenue, and municipal corporation departments to minimise disruptions for citizens.