The NH-16 stretch that runs through the corporation limits experiences heavy traffic
Nellore: The delay by the highways authority in the erection of a much-needed Vehicular Underpass at Chintareddypalem Junction, near Medicover Hospital on NH-16, has led to protests from residents and public representatives here.
The junction serves as the main entry and exit point for Nellore city from NH-16 and remains as a major traffic bottleneck. Over the past five years, nine people have lost their lives and 70 others suffered serious injuries—35 of them grievously— at this accident-prone location.
The NH-16 stretch that runs through the corporation limits experiences heavy traffic. Residents of nearby villages have been facing hardships due to the absence of a safe crossing point there.
The demand for an underpass has intensified, with the public repeatedly pressing the authorities to address this critical need.
A similar underpass exists at Narayana Engineering College area for vehicles heading to Krishnapatnam Port.
In fact, the Chintareddypalem underpass was part of a larger package three years ago, which included an underpass at Golagamudi Junction, a service road at Sundaraiah Colony, and a flyover at Nellore T Junction near Ayyappa Temple. Tenders for the entire project were floated on January 7, 2022, at an estimated cost of ` 116.41 crore.
Curiously, the NHAI withdrew the tender on August 6, 2022 and revised the estimated cost to ` 85.44 crore—excluding the Chintareddypalem underpass.
Despite efforts by Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sreedhar Reddy and Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy to have the underpass built, the proposal was ignored.
Undeterred, Vemireddy brought the matter to the notice of roads minister Nitin Gadkari. He submitted a representation seeking immediate revival of the project and noted that the design and estimates were already prepared.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the MP said, “Our persistent efforts have paid off. NHAI has begun preparing a detailed project report for the underpass at Chintareddypalem. The project will soon bea reality.”
