Major Infrastructure Proposal Aims to Alleviate Traffic Woes on NH-65 in Vijayawada
A significant infrastructure initiative is under consideration to address the severe traffic congestion plaguing the busy National Highway 65 (NH-65). Plans for constructing a bypass road connecting Nandigama and Vijayawada have garnered substantial attention from local authorities and public representatives. This proposal seeks to provide a long-term solution to the persistent traffic bottlenecks that have long affected commuters and transporters on this critical highway stretch.
High-Level Meeting Addresses Bypass Proposal and Implementation Challenges
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, commonly known as Chinni, convened a crucial high-level meeting with officials from the National Highways and Roads & Buildings departments. The gathering took place on Thursday at the RWS headquarters located on Bandar Road. The meeting saw participation from key political figures including Mylavaram MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad and Nandigama MLA Tangirala Soumya, alongside R&B Principal Secretary Krishna Babu, highlighting the importance of this infrastructure project.
Following the discussions, MP Sivanath emphasized that the bypass proposal is specifically designed to resolve the ongoing traffic issues on the Vijayawada–Hyderabad corridor. He confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been meticulously prepared for the expansion project, indicating advanced planning stages. However, he candidly acknowledged the potential social impact, noting that approximately 500 houses could be affected by the project, with some farmers likely facing difficulties due to the necessary land acquisition processes.
Public Representatives Voice Concerns Over Displacement and Agricultural Impact
During the meeting, public representatives raised serious concerns regarding the project's impact on several villages along the proposed route. Villages such as Kachavaram, Chilukuru, Moolapadu, and Jupudi were specifically mentioned as areas that could experience significant disruption. MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad pointed out that in his constituency alone, around 490 houses might face demolition if the current plans proceed unchanged.
MLA Prasad suggested exploring alternative options, including expanding the existing highway instead of building a completely new bypass, to potentially reduce the scale of displacement. Meanwhile, MLA Tangirala Soumya urged officials to consider implementing minor route diversions near Paritala. This adjustment would aim to protect farmers who have previously contributed land for various development projects, ensuring they are not disproportionately affected once again.
Technical Examination and Political Assurance for Project Advancement
Officials were also instructed to conduct a careful examination of specific technical aspects of the proposal. Particular attention was directed toward the Y-junction near Paritala and the alignment plans in the vicinity of Ibrahimpatnam. These areas require thorough review to optimize the bypass route while minimizing negative impacts on local communities and agricultural lands.
MP Sivanath assured attendees that all concerns raised during the meeting would be formally brought to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He stressed the urgency of finalizing the plans and initiating construction works at the earliest possible opportunity to address the pressing traffic congestion issues. The project represents a balancing act between infrastructure development and social responsibility, with authorities seeking to navigate the complexities of land acquisition and community impact while delivering much-needed transportation improvements.
