Tue Jun 24 17:54:28 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Highway of Horror: Deadly Stretch of Road Claims Multiple Lives in Anakapalli District**

**Visakhapatnam, India – June 24, 2025** – A dangerous stretch of road in Anakapalli district, particularly the area from NAD Junction to Lankelapalem Junction, has become a major cause for concern after a series of fatal accidents. At least five deaths have been reported in the last 10 days alone, prompting calls for urgent action.

Key junctions including Kurmannapalem, Vadlapudi, AS Temple, Donkada Junction, Visakha Dairy Point, and Lankelapalem are now considered high-risk blackspots. Locals and commuters, especially employees of nearby pharma companies and construction firms, are expressing growing fear for their safety, particularly two-wheeler riders.

Residents attribute the accidents primarily to reckless driving by heavy vehicles like lorries, buses, and container trucks on NH-16, coupled with unsafe driving practices by some youth. Recent accidents have been frequently reported near Pantulugari Meda, Visakha Dairy Road, Kurmannapalem, and Lankelapalem Junction. Police investigations reveal that two-wheeler riders are disproportionately affected, often struck by heavy vehicles while overtaking or riding alongside them.

Inspector Venkat Rao of the Steel Plant police station (Traffic) highlights that many heavy vehicle drivers speed through the zone at night to meet deadlines. Zigzag driving, overspeeding, triple riding, and driving on the wrong side, particularly by young drivers, are also cited as contributing factors. While traffic police have increased checks, installed warning signs, and launched awareness campaigns, the accidents persist.

The situation at Lankelapalem Junction recently escalated after a lorry reportedly lost control, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to around 10 people.

A senior officer from Anakapalli district explained that the downhill gradient from Gajuwaka to Anakapalli causes heavy vehicles to accelerate, and in some cases, air brakes fail, leading to collisions. The officer suggested rumble strips as a temporary measure but emphasized the urgent need for a flyover to prevent further loss of life.

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