Commuters navigating the busy Panjagutta-Somajiguda corridor are advised to plan for significant delays as the Hyderabad Police have announced extended traffic restrictions. The curbs, which are necessary to facilitate critical stormwater drain construction, are scheduled to remain in place until May 20, impacting one of the city’s most vital transit arteries.
Infrastructure Upgrades Cause Temporary Bottlenecks
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is currently spearheading the construction of a major stormwater drain near the Panjagutta graveyard. This project is part of a larger initiative to mitigate chronic waterlogging issues that frequently paralyze the area during the monsoon season. Due to the scale of the excavation and the need for heavy machinery, authorities have determined that regular traffic flow cannot be maintained safely during this period.
The traffic police department has issued a formal notification detailing the diversions. Engineering teams are working round the clock to meet the May 20 deadline, but the complexity of underground utility lines has made the process labor-intensive. Residents and office-goers in the Somajiguda, Panjagutta, and Ameerpet areas are urged to seek alternative routes to avoid peak-hour gridlock.
Strategic Diversions and Alternative Routes
To manage the vehicle volume, the following diversions have been implemented:
- From Begumpet to Banjara Hills: Vehicles traveling from Rasoolpura and Begumpet towards Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, are being redirected to alleviate pressure on the Panjagutta junction.
- Somajiguda Internal Routes: Local traffic is encouraged to use the Raj Bhavan Road and Khairatabad flyovers to bypass the construction zone entirely.
- Ameerpet Connectivity: Commuters heading towards Jubilee Hills are advised to utilize the SR Nagar and Erragadda corridors where possible.
Safety and Compliance Measures
The Hyderabad Traffic Police have deployed additional personnel at key intersections to assist motorists and ensure the smooth transition of vehicles through diversion points. Signboards and barricades have been erected to guide drivers through the new temporary patterns. “We request the public to cooperate with the personnel on the ground. These works are essential to prevent flooding in the upcoming rainy season,” a senior traffic official stated.
Public transport users should also anticipate slight changes in bus stopping points near the Panjagutta graveyard. Authorities recommend using navigation apps and staying updated via official social media channels for real-time traffic updates until the completion of the project on May 20.
