Ahead of the annual Simhachalam’s ‘Giri Pradakshina,’ Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, along with MLA Visakhapatnam West P.G.V.R. Naidu, inaugurated the newly widened and upgraded “Lakshmi Narasimha Marg,” which connects NAD NSTL Vantillu Junction to Gopalapatnam Kumari Kalyanamandapam, on Sunday (July 26, 2026).

They were accompanied by Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore and GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg. The Marg, measuring 1.4 km, was developed at a cost of ₹7.21 crore, and another ₹4.49 crore was spent for the construction of a 770-meter retaining wall required for road stabilisation.

The particular stretch will help ‘Giri Pradakshina’ devotees to reduce their travel time and also ease traffic congestion on the main road.

Addressing the media after the inauguration, Mr. Sribharat said that he was delighted that the road project had been completed within just eight months, fulfilling a commitment made to the people. The MP stated that the completion of the road just before the Simhachalam ‘Giri Pradakshina’ was particularly meaningful, as it would provide a convenient and safer route for lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage.

Mr. Naidu said that the acquisition and realignment of the Defence land had been a complex process. The issue was successfully resolved by allotting Devasthanam land as an alternative to the NSTL land and compensating the Devasthanam with GVMC land, thereby facilitating the road widening project.

With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in this year’s event, the newly widened road would play a vital role in facilitating smooth movement and ensuring better traffic management, he added.

Published - July 26, 2026 07:33 pm IST