Closure of Andhra University entrance gates post  11 pm draws flak from citizens

The move forces late night commuters to travel 4 km more to reach Maddilapalem.
Andhra University entrance
Andhra University entrance

VISAKHAPATNAM: The decision of Andhra University to close all the gates to restrict the entry of outsiders into the premises after 11 pm has drawn flak from citizens. With the move coming into force, many people living in Maddilapalem and its surrounding areas, who work in late night shifts, are forced to travel 4 km more in alternate routes to reach home.

After several complaints of students consuming ganja in the hostels, many outsiders boozing and staying till late night on the campus, the university authorities decided to close all the entrance gates after 11 pm. However, they allowed the students to enter the campus after the deadline but only on showing their identity cards. 

As a practice, late night commuters from Siripuram area use the AU route to reach Maddilapalem. “Everyday, I take AU campus road to return home from Siripuram late in the night. The university road is almost a km. But, with the gates being closed after 11 pm now, I am forced to travel 4 km more in an alternative route to reach Maddilapalem.

The decision might have enabled the authorities to keep the campus in order, but it is putting the late night commuters into inconvenience,” said Chandra Sekhar, a resident of Maddilapalem.  

On the new rules, however, an out-gate security man Mohan said, “Previously, there were many motorists and four-wheelers taking the AU route and some people used to stay back in the campus till late night and do nuisance. The situation is far better in the campus after the new rule came to force. However, we are allowing students only after they show their ID cards.”

When contacted, AU registrar V Uma Maheswara Rao said the decision was taken to restrict entry of the non-students into the campus during the night for consuming alcohol. “The rule is going to stay. However, commuters can show ID cards and use the varsity road after 11 pm,” he said. 

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