Vijayawada: The non-functional streetlights along the National Highway 16 (NH-16) stretch passing through Vijayawada from Scew Bridge to the bus station has become a pressing safety concern. Poor visibility at night increases the risk of accidents as very few streetlights are operational currently.
The issue has raised an alarm among commuters and residents, as pedestrians struggle to cross the highway safely while vehicles speed through the poorly lit stretch.
The NH-16, a crucial corridor connecting Chennai and Kolkata, witnesses heavy traffic, including buses, trucks, and private vehicles. However, the lack of adequate street lighting on the Vijayawada stretch has turned it into a high-risk zone, particularly during night time and early morning hours. The situation turns worse due to lack of pedestrian crossings, forcing people to take dangerous risks while navigating the highway.
Local residents and commuters have repeatedly voiced their concern about the issue. “It’s extremely difficult to cross the road after dark. With vehicles moving at high speeds, pedestrians often have to wait for long periods or risk dashing across,” said Suresh Kumar, a resident of Benz Circle.
Auto-rickshaw driver Rajesh echoed similar concerns, stating, “Many accidents occurred due to poor lighting. The authorities should take immediate action to install streetlights.”
According to a traffic police officer, multiple minor mishaps were reported along this stretch in recent months, many of which were attributed to inadequate visibility and reckless driving. A superintendent engineer stated, “We took it up with the concerned officials, and steps are being taken to improve illumination.”
Meanwhile, citizens and road safety activists are demanding immediate intervention. “Installing streetlights is a basic necessity, not a luxury. The authorities must prioritise public safety and take urgent steps to fix the problem before more lives are lost,” said Praveen Reddy, a local.
With increasing traffic and rapid urbanisation, ensuring adequate infrastructure, including proper street lighting, remains crucial for preventing accidents and safeguarding commuters. The demand for swift action continues to grow as residents hope for a timely resolution to this hazardous issue on NH-16 in Vijayawada.
