State approves construction of open-model flyover at Ranasthalam

SRIKAKULAM:

The State government has approved construction of an open model flyover at Ranasthalam in Srikakulam district. The woes of people travelling the route are set to ease.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had laid a six-lane road from Ichchapuram to Etcherla three years ago, but did not construct the flyover at Ranasthalm due to opposition from local traders who feared business would come to a halt as Ranasthalm is an important junction in Srikakulam district. Additionally, the bypass road was also not taken up as farmers had demanded high compensation to surrender their lands for the highway expansion.

Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu resolved the issue by holding talks with NHAI authorities in New Delhi and got approval for the construction of an open model flyover at Ranasthalam. The MP said: “People can move easily from one side to the other in the open model flyover. A closed flyover would have hampered trade.

NHAI is expected to spend around ₹250 crore for the construction of the flyover and road expansion on both sides of the flyover. Works are progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by end of 2026.