Vijayawada: The Vijayawada west bypass road has proven effective in reducing traffic congestion. Despite some incomplete sections, city police have successfully diverted vehicles from Kolkata to Hyderabad through the bypass, minimising disruption during the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana festival at the Kanaka Durga Temple in the city.
The bypass begins at Chinna Avutapalli near Siddhartha Medical College in Krishna district and reconnects with National Highway 16 near NRI Medical College at Kaja in Guntur district. A significant part of the project, including a three-kilometre bridge over the Krishna River between Surayapalem and Venkatapalem, is nearing completion and is expected to be ready by June 2025. However, progress in Jakkampudi was delayed due to the unresolved relocation of high-tension wires at two locations.
During Bhavani Deeksha, Vijayawada police diverted 35% of heavy vehicles through the bypass, alleviating traffic at major junctions like Ramavarappadu, NTR University, and Kanaka Durga Varadhi. Warning boards were installed near incomplete sections to prevent accidents, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
“It was a great experience travelling through the new bypass road. It usually takes 90 minutes to cross Vijayawada and reach Gollapudi through the regualr route. We were able to reach Gollapudi in 40 minutes. Works are still underway and completion of works will significantly reduce the time,” said T Janardhan Rao, a techie travelling to Hyderabad from Rajahmundry.
Vijayawada police commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu inspected the diversion arrangements and provided guidance to officials. Authorities plan to utilise the bypass extensively during festivals like Sankranti when travel from Hyderabad to the Godavari districts peak.
Officials are optimistic that once the bypass is fully operational, Vijayawada’s traffic woes will significantly ease. Vehicles travelling towards Hyderabad and Chennai will be rerouted via the bypass, reducing the city’s traffic burden.
Meanwhile, NHAI officials are working diligently to complete the project on time. Although a high court stay delayed high-tension wire relocation in Jakkampudi, efforts are focused on completing other sections to ensure the bypass becomes fully functional soon.
