Yoga Day preparations lead to traffic congestion in Vizag
Preparations for the upcoming International Yoga Day event are causing severe traffic disruptions across the city, particularly impacting the stretch from the Indira Gandhi Zoo Park to Maddilapalem Junction. The authorities have restricted the entry of vehicles on the Beach Road from Jodugullapalem to RK Beach, leading to severe congestion.
Vehicles moved at a snail's pace between Adarsh Nagar Junction and Maddilapalem on Wednesday (June 18, 2025). Though the traffic flow eased a bit during the afternoon, it worsened again by the evening.
Motorists were seen stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the stretch from Venkojipalem Junction to Hanumanthawaka Junction. Stranded vehicles included school buses, auto-rickshaws, and even ambulances.
'We expected traffic jams in view of the Yoga Day event, but not so early. The authorities could have at least used one lane of the Beach Road until June 19,' said a commuter, visibly frustrated by the congestion at Venkojipalem Junction.
People attending offices and examinations were the worst affected. The DSC candidates who have an examination scheduled for June 19 received calls from the authorities, urging them to start early for the exam centre due to anticipated traffic delays.
Both the traffic and civil police personnel were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation. In an attempt to ease the traffic congestion, traffic signals were disabled, and drones were used for aerial monitoring and coordination.
Home Minister V. Anitha admitted to the traffic snarls and assured that the police were doing their best to manage the situation and minimise disruptions.
Two-day holidays for schools
Meanwhile, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad issued a release on Wednesday (June 18, 2025), announcing holidays to all schools on June 20 and 21 in view of the International Yoga Day celebrations.
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