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Favourite haunt for many

For many, let alone the tourists, the Beach Road is high on the agenda when it comes to chilling out, writes SUMIT BHATTACHARJEE

PHOTO: K.R.DEEPAK

FOR ALL SEASONS Young and old flock the Beach Road throughout the year

For Teeny-boppers the seven kilometre stretch of hard tarmac is the place to zip down on their mobikes and for the seniors it is the place to fill their lungs with some fresh air. Whatever be the reasons, the Beach Road, especially from Naval Coast Battery to Tenneti Park, is the favourite haunt for many Vizagites.

"After widening of the road it looks like a race track. I enjoy clipping the accelerator the moment I hit the road. It is lovely to ride on that road, especially in the evenings as the cool breeze from the bay adds an air of freshness," says Rahul who is passionate about the road and the Pulsar that he owns.

For many, let alone the tourists, the Beach Road is high on the agenda when it comes to chilling out. Keeping its growing popularity in mind, the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation is leaving no stone unturned to turn it into one of the best spots in town. Recently, the corporation has embarked on an ambitious project to give it an international touch. "We want to make the road a major attraction and it should be the pride of the city," remarks P. Panduranga Rao, Chief Engineer of GVMC.

The corporation is spending to the tune of Rs.13 crores to beautify the seven km. stretch, he says, adding that everything has been taken care of, right from erecting rust free electric poles to ramps for physically challenged people and from eateries to view points. Apart from making the Beach Road a four-lane road, the entire stretch of the retaining wall has been embellished with granite. "We want to give the people a neat place to sit and relax," he says.

History

For old timers the road was not like it appears today. "Though it may appeal to the present generation it was much more beautiful two or three decades ago. It was a single- track bitumen strip, lined with palmyrah trees on one side that swayed to the rhythm of the beating waves. We could count the houses from NCB to the present Park Hotel. Today, a concrete jungle has replaced the trees. I dearly miss the morning rays that filtered through those tall trees, " says a nostalgic Kolluru Jagannadha Rao, a senior citizen.

Development has definitely taken away some of its natural sheen but the GVMC is trying its best to beautify it by sprinkling large strips of meadows, parks, sculptures and eateries, all abutting the seven km. stretch. Development has also skyrocketed the land price. Despite facing the problem of moisture which rusts all metals, the price has shot up from Rs.850 a square yard to over Rs. 20,000 per sq yd. within a span of one-and-half decades.

One unique feature of the road is that it caters to all. There is something in store for everybody, right from the evening and morning walkers who briskly walk down the tiled pavement to lose a few kilograms to the ones who would just like to sit on the newly laid granite slabs and stare at the crashing foam in silence.

"I like to sit on the retaining wall and gaze at the bay in silence. The experience is mystifying. It soothes the mind and the body after a hectic day," says Mamata, a software professional.

Leave alone weekends, the road is the destination for many students, young professionals and pairs who find it an ideal spot to share their cupid thoughts on any day. On weekends, the police find it difficult to regulate the parking and the traffic. One can find bikes and cars parked all along the road despite being cautioned as `no parking' zone.

Best place to visit

"At the end of the day it is the best place to visit. The ambience is great and moreover you have a few good eateries to support the long evening. From lemon tea to fresh juices and from snacks to a good Chinese or tandoori dinner is available within the stretch. We like hopping from one spot to another throughout the evening. We prefer the Beach Road to movies and game centres. Go with friends and just laze around, that's the funda," says Srinivas, an engineering student.

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