The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch a crucial infrastructure project in Vijayawada to permanently address the severe waterlogging issues plaguing a key section of National Highway 16. The authority will soon call for tenders to widen and reconstruct the side drain canals on the stretch between Ramavarappadu and Nidamanuru.
Chronic Waterlogging and Road Damage on Key Corridor
This stretch has been notorious for frequent water stagnation, especially during the monsoon season. The problem is so persistent that it has repeatedly led to significant damage of the national highway's surface, causing major inconvenience and hazards for daily commuters. The issue stems from the existing drainage system's severe inadequacy.
According to officials from the NHAI Vijayawada Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the current drains were constructed in the early 2000s. They are only 0.5 metres wide and are shallow in depth, making them completely incapable of handling large volumes of stormwater. This results in rainwater overflowing from these narrow channels and stagnating on the highway for hours on end.
Massive Drainage Overhaul: From 0.5m to 2m
The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has already released approximately Rs 10 crore for this vital drainage upgrade project. The plan involves a substantial overhaul of the existing infrastructure.
NHAI Project Director Vidyasagar explained the technical details of the solution. The authority has drawn up plans to widen the existing drain canals from 0.5 metres to between 1.5 and 2 metres. Furthermore, the depth of these canals will be increased to up to 2 metres. This dramatic expansion in capacity is designed to handle the drain water collected from over 20 arterial and sub-arterial roads in surrounding localities like Ramavarappadu, Prasadampadu, and Enikepadu, which currently feed into the overwhelmed NH-16 drains.
Priority Project for VIP Corridor, 100-Day Deadline
Officials have emphasised the urgency of this project, noting that the affected stretch is part of the crucial airport corridor, which witnesses high VIP movement. Consequently, the drainage overhaul works will be executed on a top-priority basis.
Project Director Vidyasagar provided a clear timeline for the public, stating that the construction works would be completed within 100 days after the tenders are finalised and work commences. This swift action is aimed at providing long-term relief to commuters and preventing further deterioration of the national highway asset due to water damage.
