Works on the ₹3.29 crore foot overbridge (FOB) coming up across NH-16 at Madhurawada, have crossed the halfway mark. Authorities are aiming to open the bridge by Independence Day (August 15, 2026). Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao inspected the progress of the works on Wednesday.

The FOB at Madhurawada, which has emerged as one of the city’s fastest-growing localities over the past two decades is expected to improve safety for pedestrians, and for thousand of students of Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) Chandrampalem, located adjacent to the NH-16.

Speaking to The Hindu, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Madhurawada Zonal Commissioner V. Ayyappa Naidu said: “Nowhere along the stretch of NH-16 does a foot overbridge exist.” With the Metro Rail project earmarked along this corridor, Mr. Srinivasa Rao held discussions with the executing agencies to ensure the FOB does not interfere with future infrastructure plans,” Mr. Ayyappa said.

Although a pedestrian underpass exists near the school, students avoid using it due to the longer route and instead cross the highway, exposing themselves to considerable danger.

The NH-16 stretch, witnesses heavy traffic moving at high speeds, including buses and goods carriers. Over the years, many pedestrians have reportedly lost their lives attempting to cross the NH-16,. There have also been instances where students have sustained injuries. It was a major concern for parents, school authorities and local residents.

The city traffic police introduced temporary measures, such as warning signboards, traffic stoppers and the deployment of additional personnel during school hours. But these arrangements provided only limited relief.

The demand for a dedicated foot overbridge gained momentum after the GVMC Council in 2021. The project remained on paper for several years before work finally commenced.