NHAI begins construction of flyover at Ranasthalam of Srikakulam district

After a long delay, the National Highway Authority of India started constructing a flyover bridge near Ranasthalam of Srikakulam district, but it was stopped after locals objected. NHAI, which was developing six-lane roads between Visakhapatnam and Ichchapuram four years ago, had stopped the construction of the flyover in Ranasthalam town following strong objection from local people.

Traders in the town feared that the development of a six-lane road and the construction of a flyover would completely hinder economic activity. NHAI officials also could not use the ring road due to objections from local farmers regarding land acquisition. In this backdrop, traffic jams and accidents have become everyday life in Ranasthalam due to narrow roads in the town, which is an important junction for nearly two lakh people living in surrounding villages.

Etcherla-BJP MLA N. Eswara Rao took up the issue with NHAI officials and ensured that they continue with the construction of flyover on the existing route instead of purchasing land for the ring road. he said Hindu He said ₹ 250 crore will be spent on developing a six-lane road (about 1.5 km long) and flyover which will be ready in a few years. “We have requested NHAI to change the design of the flyover for free movement of people. The open model flyover will ensure normal trade activity in Ranasthalam town and will be a great boon for local traders. Traffic flow will also be smooth,” Mr. Eswara Rao said.