Chandrababu Naidu’s Outer Ring Road promise to Nellore creates confusion

Nellore: Outer Ring Road (ORR) for Nellore city is now a hot topic as the Chief Minister has promised keeping in view of huge development projects coming up in the region and directed the officials to prepare a plan of action freshly.

Now, there is a confusion among the city population whether the earlier ORR proposal was only an eyewash, or the fresh statement is true. But, it has been underway as Joint Director of Ministry of Urban Development Praveen Prakash visited the Nellore city in last April and instructed the officials to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the proposed ORR. Even though, it was on cards, officials started preparation of a fresh report on the project incorporating the current data.

In fact, ORR was proposed aimed at relieving pressure on the city roads on the mini by-pass road, GNT road, and the National Highway-16 and other major networks of the city to de-congest the traffic with an ORR of 72-km length and a width of 200 feet. 

The proposal was mooted by an IAS officer KVN Chakradhar Babu, who has served as Nellore Municipal Commissioner.But, it has been delayed due to lack of political will and no pressure from the politicians for achieving the project.

The city is having more than 6 lakh population which is designated as tier-2 city. But, it was necessitated as soon as many industrial organisations started opening their uits in the coastal areas and other parts of the district. After Krishnapatnam Port had become fully operational, officials and staff members of various industries close to city preferred Nellore as the suitable place for staying and hence the demand has increased.

Consequently, city traffic also increased due to mushrooming habitations close to the city. Pitiably, Nellore has only two main roads such as GT road and by-pass road besides NH-16. So, entire pressure is the main road and by-pass road and it turned out to be a nightmarish experience to the commuters in case of festivals, auspicious days, public meetings, and important occasions.

All the vehicles have to enter into the city via Venkateswarapuram, Children’s Park or close to Ayyappagudi Junction. Other roads are not convenient for movement of heavy vehicles. Mini bypass road which is parallel to the GNT road in the city connecting eastern and western parts of the city and commuters usually prefer this road only during heavy rush on the GNT road. 

“Now, with the announcement of the Chief Minister, hopes withered among the city population on the alternative road around the city. But, it has to be materialised. We welcome the decision of the government and it should be completed practically not confining to the statements,” K Raghavendra Rao from Stonehousepet said.

By P V Prasad