Sat Nov 16 04:04:20 UTC 2024: ## Visakhapatnam’s Clock Towers: A Blend of History and Modernity
**VISAKHAPATNAM, November 16, 2024** – Visakhapatnam, a city rich in history, is experiencing a resurgence of interest in its iconic clock towers. While many historical clock towers, reminiscent of the city’s past, have fallen into disrepair or been demolished, a newly constructed tower is capturing the attention of residents and tourists alike.
The city’s older clock towers, such as those formerly located at King George Hospital (KGH) and Kurupam Market, served as vital timekeeping landmarks for generations. A particularly significant example is the clock tower at the Jeypore Vikrama Deo (JVD) College of Science and Technology at Andhra University. Built in 1933, this “swadeshi crown,” as it was once called, was meticulously crafted with a clock mechanism developed by Dr. H. Parameswaran of Presidency College, Madras. Unfortunately, it ceased functioning after the 2014 Hudhud cyclone and remains unrepaired due to difficulties in sourcing parts.
While the KGH clock tower still functions, the Kurupam Market building and its clock tower have been lost. However, a new chapter in Visakhapatnam’s clock tower legacy is unfolding. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) recently unveiled a European-style clock tower at Jagadamba Junction as part of a junctions development program. Its vibrant nighttime illumination has transformed it into a popular spot for photographers and YouTubers, showcasing a blend of historical aesthetics and modern appeal. This new tower, while modern in construction, echoes the vintage charm of its predecessors, highlighting the enduring significance of clock towers in the city’s landscape.
First Piper 