Prakasam Barrage Vijayawada Tourism
Prakasam Barrage is one of the most recognizable free sights of Vijayawada. Many a route has been described marking this barrage as landmark. Spanning across the width of Krishna River, measuring 1.2 km, I felt a childlike excitement each time I crossed it. When I saw it close I realized why the picture of it is worth blowing up as poster or wall paper. I had it in my room of Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the hotel I stayed in.
The staff of the hotel curated several trips for us to experience the city of Vijayawada. During one of the trips through the city we halted to get good photo captures of Prakasam Barrage. A huge sign of Love Amravati welcomes all just before you take a turn to enter the bridge as you approach from Vijayawada towards Undavalli. We alighted here. The bridge connects the district of Krishna with Guntur.
Prakasam Barrage Interesting Facts
- Prakasam Barrage was constructed across River Krishna for the protection of the Krishna delta.
- The Barrage was initially referred to as Krishna Barrage
- Later it was named after the first Chief Minister of the state Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu who laid the foundation stone
- Prakasam Barrage was designed by Sir Arthur Cotton and was built by a naval engineer, Captain Charles Alexander Orr.
- The present barrage was constructed between 1954 and 1957 at a cost of ₹2.278 crore.
- Prakasam Barrage has a length of 1223.5 meters
- Construction of the barrage helped irrigate over 1.2 million acres of land. This barrage also supplies water to Buckingham canal, an inland navigation canal, used as an irrigation water supply canal.
Prakasam Barrage Architecture
The structure made of tightly packed stones looks mighty! Initially just the barrage was built. It has three canals that run through the city of Vijayawada, giving it a Venetian look. Construction of the barrage was started in 1852 and completed in 1855 by East India Company. In 1957 a bridge was constructed over the barrage and this was named Prakasam honoring the first chief minister on Andhra Pradesh, Tanguturi Prakasam.
The bridge is a 2 lane road so exercise some caution if you are planning to halt here for pictures. I got some close shots of the barrage structure and also the Bhavani Island which is a much sought after weekend picnic place by the locals. There is regular ferry service to the island. The dam has 70 gates! Depending on inflow of flood water the gates are opened. In the year 2018, after incessant rains all 70 gates were opened to ease the water flow.
Krishna River bank is dotted with several temples. Government has done well to build ghats for the pilgrims and visitors. The reservoir part of the dam has bathing ghats and water sports. Evenings must be pleasant here. With little more cleanliness around the area it can turn out to be an ideal place to admire the engineering wonder besides doing photography and munching on local snacks. Nature lovers will surely find the flora and fauna around this place interesting and worthy of their lens.
Conclusion
I just have one regret, that of not being able to visit Prakasam Barrage Vijayawada at night. The night lighting of Prakasam barrage is incredible. It is well lit and bathed in multiple colors. Late nights are best, I am told, when traffic is less. Take a stroll then to enjoy the cool soothing breeze!
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There is a quaint beauty in the countryside of Andhra. Even a man-made structure like this adds to the pastures. I think I should start spending more time in Andhra.
Wow, 70 gates sounds like quite a few. There must have been a lot of rain in 2018. I’m not sure I would stop on the bridge for pictures if there is not a pull out area.
WOW! Such a beautiful bridge, there are so many places in India to visit, I love learning more and more about fun and unique places to visit!
XO – Kam
I did not know that Prakasam Barrage is one of the most recognizable free sights of Vijayawada. There are so many places in India I haven’t heard of yet! The barrage looks really impressive.
That looks amazing. Someday when I finally get to India, I will make a point to visit this. Hopefully I will get to see it at night.
That Prakasam Barrage is one huge bridge in Vijayawada. It must especially thrilling to cross in monsoon season as the river churns.
Loved reading the article.
This barrage must be very impressive. I’ve seen something like this at the border between Uruguay and Brazil so I know how powerful such a site is.
Waw, how can you write so beautifully??
How I love your adventures. This bridge looks amazing. I had to look up what a barrage is in its noun form. The original is so old but looks lovely and I’m with you. Would love to visit at night.
There are some remarkably beautiful bridges in the world. The Prakasam Barrage would have to be on the list for its history and construction. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it.
I think this is the first time I’ve seen this place. How nice. I’m sure there a lot more places in India that are still under the global tourist radar.
Hope summer is treating you well.