Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) taking up the lighting project at a cost of Rs 1.36 crore in order to solve the decades old problem of pilgrims facing stray dog attacks and thieves on Gopalapatnam-Simhachalam Temple Road. The project is expected to be completed by end of this month.
After demands from various sectors, the GVMC officials came forward to install LED lighting at an estimated cost of Rs 1.36 core, covering a distance of three km from Gopalapatnam Petrol Bunk to Simhachalam Goshala Junction. Pendurthy MLA Bandaru Satyannarayana Murty laid the foundation stone last week.
Work has been sanctioned in two parts. One with Rs 68 lakhs for fixing lights up to Prahaladapuram and another with Rs 68 lakhs from Prahaladapuram to Simhachalam Goshala Junction. About 120 lights will be placed on either side of the road.
Pilgrims arriving from different parts from north coastal Andhra and elsewhere during the late hours were staying at a dormitory built by the temple. They were going to the temple in the early hours. The dormitory was closed years ago forcing the pilgrims to walk in the darkness to the temple taking all the risks.
The five km long road was hazardous for those carrying children and it was tougher during the rainy season. The condition of the road was bad for the pedestrians. Hence, it was repaired only before the International Fleet Review as the administration expected visit of top officials and Union Ministers. The road was developed within a week. Though there were many requisitions for the lighting successive executive officer ignored them citing paucity of funds.
By Baishakhi Dutta
