WOOING TOURISTS: The series of lampposts that have been put up on Ramakrishna Beach as part of the development project taken up by the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation. - Photo: K.R. Deepak

VISAKHAPATNAM: Beach road is all set to wear a new look following the execution of the Rs. 12.5-crore project taken up by the Greater Visakha Muncipal Corporation. With the hectic pace of work going on all along the beach, very soon the two-kilometre stretch from the Coastal Battery to YMCA will be renovated.

The deterioration of the beach has been rapid in the last couple of years. "To give a facelift to the area, the dilapidated walls along the beach are being widened and granite slabs are placed on the wall for a more sophisticated look," deputy executive engineer of the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation K. Ravi told The Hindu .

Breath-taking view

Visitors can savour the breathtaking view of the series of lighted lamp-posts at the beach in the evenings. Standing tall against the blue backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, the bold sculptures on the lamp-post along the Ramakrishna Beach beckon people's attention. Traditional sculptures, figures of animals and cartoon characters and the fishermen community etched in the high pillars have transformed the face of this favourite tourist spot.

"Twenty such ornamental lamp-posts have been placed at the beach each costing from Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000," said Tirumal Rao, assistant engineer of GVMC. The project has been extended along the seven-kilometre area from King George Hospital to the sewage treatment plant near Kailasagiri.

"Water logging is a common problem affecting the area. To counter the problem underground drainage systems are being laid and the existing roads will also be upgraded," he said.

Cross ducts

The project that was started before the President's Fleet Review, is expected to be completed by November this year.

As part of the development project, cross ducts are being placed at five different junctions of the city.

The parking places along the beach with wall enclosures will be removed so that the visitors can enjoy the sea view from a distance. The footpath area along the beach is being widened to three metres for the convenience of the walkers and visitors.

"There are plans to develop food kiosks at different locations in the city and at the beach," Mr. Ravi added.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail