Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

The road to misery

Staff Reporter

Civicscene Some roads resemble rubble. So pathetic is their condition

IN TATTERS: A badly damaged pavement near TB Hospital in Visakhapatnam. --Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam.

VISAKHAPATNAM: With the number of automobiles growing multi-fold, pedestrians find it difficult to make their way in the high density of traffic.

The bad shape of roads and widening and drainage work further reduce the space. The pavements on the thoroughfares are generally encroached upon or used for parking, leaving little space for pedestrians. They are definitely in an unenviable position.

Damaged pavements seem to be hardly getting any attention from the civic officials.

The picture shows a pavement which resembles a rubble near the TB Hospital Junction, close to IT giant Satyam's upcoming venture. On the University Road, too, the pavements are damaged. Uprooting of trees is one of the reasons for the pavements turning into the pathetic condition.

Come rain...

The city has been experiencing wet spells too often turning roads into landmines of sorts. With the potholes on the roads flooded, pavement is a safe bet for pedestrians. Officials have been talking about world-class roads that would keep pace with Visakhapatnam's image of a "happening city'' drawing big names in various industries.

But the condition of arterial roads after the recent rain casts a long shadow on such claims. The proposed ring road from Asilmetta to Railway Station covering Siripuram is being taken up as a prestigious one. However, ducts are to be laid for cables. Unless the widening is completed, restoration of pavements is unlikely. Until then, pedestrians have to be wary.

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