The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has restarted construction of a long-delayed flyover at Ranasthalam in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.

The flyover is part of a broader six-lane highway project between Visakhapatnam and Ichchapuram that began four years ago. The project was initially halted due to strong objections from local traders and farmers, who feared economic disruption and resisted land acquisition. Due to the absence of the flyover and a bypass, the town has experienced regular traffic congestion and accidents, affecting nearly two lakh people in the surrounding villages.

Intervention by Etcherla-BJP MLA N Eswara Rao led to a redesign of the flyover to an open model, accommodating local business needs while ensuring smoother traffic. He confirmed that Rs 250 crore would be spent on the 1.5-km six-lane stretch and the flyover, which is expected to be completed in a couple of years. The new design aims to support both vehicular flow and the town’s commercial activities.