Concern over delay in ROB project at Gopalapatnam.

The proposed road over bridge (ROB) at Gopalapatnam appears to have gone into limbo. The ROB was proposed by the Traffic Police Department about two decades ago.

The proposal had gone through several stages of discussion: at least two surveys were conducted by the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) in association with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and the Railways, two project reports were made, money for the construction sanctioned, agreement between the stakeholders inked. But the project has not taken off.

Visakhapatnam is separated from eight major habitations such as Kothapalem, Narava, Pedanarava, Chinanarava, Sathivanipalem, Gopalapatnam, Venkatapuram and Porlupalem and about dozen small villages, by broadgauge railway lines from Chennai to Howrah that passes through the city.

The railway line and three level crossings within a short distance and narrow roads make Gopalapatnam accident-prone, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mahendra Patrudu.

“Every year we see at least seven to eight accidents on this stretch. This apart, we have proposed the ROB to ease out traffic on the NH as it can work as feeder bypass between the city and the VSEZ at Duvvada. But the authorities concerned have not heeded to our requests,” he said.

THE HINDU