Major Traffic Restrictions Announced for Annual Giri Pradakshina in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam District Administration has officially announced comprehensive traffic restrictions for the upcoming annual Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Giri Pradakshina at Simhachalam, scheduled for July 28 and July 29, 2026.

### Impact on National Highway 16 and Key Routes

The newly announced regulations are expected to significantly impact vehicular movement across the city, particularly along National Highway 16 (NH-16). In a notable measure implemented for the very first time, the entire stretch between Visakha Valley Junction and Maddilapalem Junction on NH-16 will remain completely closed to all vehicular traffic during the religious event.

### Traffic Diversions and Closures

Additionally, authorities have confirmed that no vehicular traffic will be permitted in either direction between Hanumanthawaka and Adavivaram starting from 6:00 a.m. on July 28 until 2:00 p.m. on July 29. These widespread closures are projected to present major logistical challenges for the traffic police department and may lead to temporary congestion on designated alternate routes across Visakhapatnam. Commuters and local residents are strongly advised to plan their travel accordingly.