Daily commutes in Vizianagaram have become a significant challenge for residents, whose patience is wearing thin due to the city’s extensively damaged roads. Already in disrepair, these vital routes have suffered further deterioration following recent heavy rainfall.
Key areas like Cantonment, the railway goods shed vicinity, Balaji market, Ice Factory Junction, and Dharmapuri are experiencing the most severe conditions. The problem is compounded by a combination of factors, including an inefficient drainage system and encroachments on public spaces and tank lands, which exacerbates waterlogging and road erosion.
A senior municipal official confirmed to The Hindu that efforts to repair these critical routes are underway. However, continuous drain overflows during the monsoon season have led to persistent damage, particularly along the Ice Factory Junction-Dharmapuri stretch, the railway goods shed area, and the Cantonment roads.
In response to the growing public concern, Buddepu Venkata Rao, president of the Balaji market, has issued a direct appeal to the newly appointed Collector, S. Ramsundar Reddy. Residents hope the Collector will personally assess the dire situation and implement immediate, effective measures to restore the city’s roads.