Heavy traffic chokes key routes in Visakhapatnam as devotees flock for Giri Pradakshina

Severe traffic congestion gripped several key routes leading to Simhachalam on Wednesday, as thousands of devotees thronged the area to take part in the annual Giri Pradakshina. Despite the deployment of traffic personnel, vehicular movement remained severely disrupted throughout the day. Major routes such as Anandapuram–Adavivaram, Gopalapatnam–Vepagunta, and NAD Junction–Gopalapatnam witnessed long snarls, while even peripheral areas like Venkojipalem and Hanumanthawaka saw heavy traffic buildup and queues of vehicles stretching for long distances.

Roads littered with plastic satchets and paper cups during the annual ‘Giri Pradakshina’ of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy of Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. DEEPAK

Many pilgrims coming from distant places were left stranded, especially along the Anandapuram–Adavivaram corridor, with several stuck in auto-rickshaws for extended durations, delaying their participation in the spiritual procession.

On the law and order front, police ensured a peaceful atmosphere, with no untoward incidents reported. Special attention was paid to Tholi Pavancha, where the pilgrimage begins, and at major intersections along NH-16, where additional security was arranged to manage pedestrian crossings. Command Control Rooms were established at multiple locations, including one at Simhachalam, to oversee crowd and traffic management. Drones were extensively used to monitor large gatherings and traffic flow in real time.

To maintain cleanliness throughout the event, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) deployed around 2,400 sanitation workers in three shifts. Bio-toilets were actively managed by dedicated staff to ensure hygiene. While waste was efficiently handled during the day, officials anticipate a massive clean-up challenge in the early hours after the pilgrimage ends due to the expected accumulation of litter.

The corporation strictly enforced a ban on single-use plastics. Drinking water was distributed in paper cups, and food and refreshments provided by NGOs were served in eco-friendly containers.

Among the volunteers who stood out were members of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, who provided herbal foot massages to weary devotees, along with tea, pepper milk, prasadam, and tiffin items. Their dedicated service was appreciated by Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), who lauded their efforts in supporting the pilgrims.