Hyderabad: The absence of a footpath along the 200-metre stretch of the busy Tarnaka-Habsiguda road has forced pedestrians to share the road space with fast moving vehicles, putting their lives at risk.
Locals, including school children and elders, find it a perilous task to walk the stretch between the Bata shop and Sudershan Reddy sweet shop on Tarnaka-Habsiguda road, navigating through heavy traffic and vehicles, especially during peak hours. The situation is similar for those going to Nacharam, Uppal and Ghatkesar, who face difficulties in reaching the Tarnaka bus stop.
The residents’ welfare association has made several representations to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), but no action has been taken so far. In fact, residents complain that several minor accidents have occurred when pedestrians have had to suddenly move to avoid oncoming vehicles.
Suggesting a well-designed footpath with adequate width, P Mohan Rao, president of the Tarnaka Welfare Association, said: “The situation along this busy stretch has become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians over the years. Without proper pedestrian infrastructure, thousands of residents are exposed to serious safety risks. During the hours of 9am to 11am and 5pm to 8pm, the road becomes particularly difficult to navigate.”
In addition to safety concerns, the lack of footpaths also affects local businesses as customers avoid walking to shops during busy hours. Senior citizens, who are frequent visitors to these establishments, are particularly affected as they cannot risk walking on the main road during busy hours.
“Regular follow-up meetings are held with the GHMC and traffic police authorities regarding pedestrian safety and footpath construction. Pedestrians are frequently involved in accidents on this stretch. A serious incident occurred last month when a security guard suffered serious leg fractures after being hit by a car while walking. It is imperative that the civic authorities immediately construct a footpath in this area to prevent possible fatal accidents,” said T Lakshmi Narayana, a retired doctor in Tarnaka.
GHMC officials say that the town planning wing needs to conduct a survey for the construction of the footpath. “The town planning officials will have to study the master plan, conduct a survey and submit a report detailing the proposed footpath width and addressing encroachment issues before construction can start. The estimated cost of footpath construction would be around Rs 25 lakh,” said an official of the engineering wing of the Secunderabad circle of the GHMC.
Locals, including school children and elders, find it a perilous task to walk the stretch between the Bata shop and Sudershan Reddy sweet shop on Tarnaka-Habsiguda road, navigating through heavy traffic and vehicles, especially during peak hours. The situation is similar for those going to Nacharam, Uppal and Ghatkesar, who face difficulties in reaching the Tarnaka bus stop.
The residents’ welfare association has made several representations to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), but no action has been taken so far. In fact, residents complain that several minor accidents have occurred when pedestrians have had to suddenly move to avoid oncoming vehicles.
Suggesting a well-designed footpath with adequate width, P Mohan Rao, president of the Tarnaka Welfare Association, said: “The situation along this busy stretch has become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians over the years. Without proper pedestrian infrastructure, thousands of residents are exposed to serious safety risks. During the hours of 9am to 11am and 5pm to 8pm, the road becomes particularly difficult to navigate.”
In addition to safety concerns, the lack of footpaths also affects local businesses as customers avoid walking to shops during busy hours. Senior citizens, who are frequent visitors to these establishments, are particularly affected as they cannot risk walking on the main road during busy hours.
“Regular follow-up meetings are held with the GHMC and traffic police authorities regarding pedestrian safety and footpath construction. Pedestrians are frequently involved in accidents on this stretch. A serious incident occurred last month when a security guard suffered serious leg fractures after being hit by a car while walking. It is imperative that the civic authorities immediately construct a footpath in this area to prevent possible fatal accidents,” said T Lakshmi Narayana, a retired doctor in Tarnaka.
GHMC officials say that the town planning wing needs to conduct a survey for the construction of the footpath. “The town planning officials will have to study the master plan, conduct a survey and submit a report detailing the proposed footpath width and addressing encroachment issues before construction can start. The estimated cost of footpath construction would be around Rs 25 lakh,” said an official of the engineering wing of the Secunderabad circle of the GHMC.
