Finally, Vijayawada’s Kanaka Durga, Benz Circle flyovers open for traffic
By Newsmeter Network Published on 16 Oct 2020 10:02 AM GMT
Vijayawada: The much-awaited Kanaka Durga and Benz Circle flyovers in Vijayawada city opened for traffic on 16 October. It was virtually inaugurated by Union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, along with Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Mr. Gadkari also laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs. 15,592 crore in Andhra Pradesh to be executed by the NHAI.
The 2.6-km six-lane Kanaka Durga flyover was constructed by Soma Construction Company under the supervision of the roads and building department using span and wing technology at an estimated cost of Rs. 502 crore. The flyover will ease traffic in the city as the vehicles plying on the Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway (NH-65) will take the flyover instead of passing through the city.
Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy requested Mr. Gadkari to develop an alternative road to connect Vizag city, the executive capital of Andhra Pradesh, with the upcoming Green Field airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. He also requested the Union minister to take up the coastal highway project to develop the beach road in Vizag to connect the city with Bhogapuram.
Meanwhile, officials said that the load capacity test on Kanaka Durga flyover was conducted thrice following which permission was given to open it for traffic. Initially, the flyover was to be inaugurated on 4 September but it was postponed following the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee. Later, it was decided to inaugurate the flyover on 18 September but Mr. Gadkari, who was set to inaugurate it, tested positive for COVID-19. Finally, the flyover was inaugurated on Friday.
Traffic will also be allowed on the Benz Circle flyover-I from Friday. The total length of the flyover is 2.35 km and it has an 880 m approach road which is part of the Vijayawada-Machilipatnam Highway expansion works taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 747 crore.
Around Rs. 80 crore was spent to construct the flyover between Skew Bridge Junction and Novotel Hotel and is aimed at reducing the traffic congestion on the highway, especially near the Benz Circle Junction.
