Heavy traffic curbs planned in Vizag for Simahachalam ‘Giri Pradakshina’

The city police are planning extensive traffic restrictions for the annual ‘Giri Pradakshina’ of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam, scheduled to be held on July 28 and 29. As part of the plan, the Maddilapalem-Hanumanthawaka route, one of the busiest stretches in the city, is likely to be declared a no-vehicle zone for the first time.

The proposal, currently under consideration, is aimed at ensuring the safety of lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the 32-km circumambulation of Simhachalam Hill. If approved, the stretch between Maddilapalem and Hanumanthawaka will remain closed to vehicular traffic from 3 p.m. on July 28 until 1 a.m. on July 29, when the maximum influx of devotees is expected.

Though the Giri Pradakshina begins in the early hours of July 28, the devotee count is expected to increase from the afternoon along the route, resulting in heavy pedestrian movement.

A senior police officer said that traffic restrictions are imposed every year on the stretches Tholipavancha and Hanumanthawaka, the main trek route, and also between Appughar and Kurupam Junction, as thousands of devotees take a holy dip at Appughar Beach.

Imposing ‘no-vehicle zone’restriction between Maddilapalem to Hanumanthawaka aims to ensure devotees’ safety.

“Probably, this will be the first time such an important stretch would be closed for vehicles during the Giri Pradakshina. This has not been done earlier,” the officer said.

According to the police, while many pilgrims earlier used the Hanumanthawaka–Visalakshi Nagar–Appughar– MVP Colony route to take a holy dip at Appughar, an increasing number are now choosing the Hanumanthawaka–Venkojipalem route, skipping the holy bath.

“We have been using ropes to create dedicated walking corridors for devotees. Another major concern is the severe congestion at Hanumanthawaka Junction from the afternoon. Police currently halt vehicular traffic at regular intervals to allow devotees to cross safely before resuming vehicle movement. The repeated stopping and releasing of traffic often results in heavy crowding. Managing pedestrian and vehicular movement simultaneously is a herculean task. The proposal has been made primarily to ensure the safety of devotees and facilitate smooth movement during the trek,” the officer added.

Besides, the number of participants is increasing every year. More than 3.20 lakh devotees took part in the Giri Pradakshina in 2025, and the numbers are only expected to rise this year,” the officer said.

In-charge Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Annepu Narasimha Murthy said the proposal was being examined and that detailed alternative traffic arrangements would be announced soon.

“We will come up with comprehensive diversion plans. The Anandapuram- Anakapalli highway will be used extensively, particularly for diverting heavy vehicles. Vehicles travelling from Visakhapatnam towards Vizianagaram and Srikakulam after 3 p.m. may have to take connecting routes through Sheela Nagar and Narava,” he said.

Meanwhile, Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore has directed officials to prepare detailed route maps and traffic diversion charts to ensure commuters receive accurate information. He instructed departments to launch a public awareness campaign well in advance of the annual event.

Meanwhile, the authorities are also considering declaring a holiday for educational institutions in the city on the day of the Giri Pradakshina to minimise traffic congestion, though a final decision is yet to be taken.