Vizag's NAD Flyover Rail Over Bridge Inaugurated, Marking Full Project Completion
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has officially opened the newly constructed rail over bridge (ROB) to the public, marking the 100% completion of the NAD flyover project. This significant infrastructure milestone, inaugurated on Monday, is expected to substantially alleviate traffic congestion in the city, particularly for airport-bound passengers.
Project Details and Inauguration Ceremony
Developed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 150 crore, the ROB adds two additional lanes to the existing NAD flyover on the airport side of Visakhapatnam. The formal inauguration was conducted by a delegation of officials, including Visakhapatnam West MLA and whip PVGR Naidu (Ganababu), VMRDA chairperson MV Pranav Gopal, MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, and metropolitan commissioner N Tej Bharath.
Speaking at the event, Ganababu highlighted the historical context of traffic issues at NAD Junction, often referred to as the gateway to Visakhapatnam. "Until 2017, traffic congestion at NAD Junction was relatively minimal. With the rapid increase in vehicles and urban expansion, congestion intensified. To address this, the flyover project was undertaken with VMRDA funds. Under the leadership of the present VMRDA chairman and young IAS officers, the organisation is implementing key infrastructure projects effectively," he stated.
Addressing Delays and Future Prospects
Metropolitan commissioner Tej Bharath addressed the project's timeline, noting that while work on the ROB commenced in 2021, delays in obtaining railway permissions postponed its completion. "With the ROB now operational, residents and airport-bound passengers can travel more smoothly and reach their destinations faster," he affirmed, emphasizing the immediate benefits for daily commuters.
VMRDA chairperson Pranav Gopal connected the project to broader developmental goals under the current administration. "After the coalition government assumed office, road development and infrastructure creation were given priority across VMRDA constituencies, as directed by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. With the upcoming Bhogapuram international airport and the influx of IT companies, Visakhapatnam is poised for remarkable transformation in the coming years," he explained, outlining a vision for the city's future growth.
Impact on Traffic and Connectivity
The completion of the NAD flyover, including the new ROB, is strategically designed to:
- Reduce traffic congestion at a critical junction in the city.
- Improve connectivity for local residents and those traveling to the airport.
- Enhance overall mobility as Visakhapatnam expands and attracts more businesses and visitors.
This infrastructure enhancement is part of a larger effort to modernize Visakhapatnam's transportation network, supporting its evolution into a major urban and economic hub in the region.
