Hyderabad: The closure of colony roads by residents of Chanakyapuri in Safilguda has turned the Safilguda rail underpass into a daily frustration for thousands of commuters in the area.
Originally designed to ease traffic congestion, the underpass has paradoxically led to longer commute times due to the barricades that have been in place for the past six months.
Residents of Balram Nagar, Sitaram Nagar, and Devi Nagar are now forced to take a 2-km detour via Anand Bagh X Roads, despite having direct access through Chanakyapuri colony. Currently, the barricades allow only two-wheelers to pass, effectively blocking four-wheeler traffic.
“What should be a five-minute drive has turned into a 20-minute ordeal,” said Kishore Singh, a resident of Balram Nagar. “We’re spending extra money on fuel and wasting our valuable time just because one colony has decided to arbitrarily restrict public access.”
Municipal authorities had previously stated that these roads are public thoroughfares and cannot be closed by private entities. However, despite multiple complaints to the relevant authorities, the situation remains unchanged.
“These roads are meant for public use. Even much narrower roads allow four-wheelers; there’s no reason for these to be blocked,” said Prasanna Kumar, a high court advocate and local resident. “If this isn’t addressed soon, we will take legal action.” Residents also highlighted the impact on daily life, with children arriving late to school and elderly struggling to reach hospitals during emergencies.
When contacted, Malkajgiri traffic SHO B Narasimha acknowledged the issue. “We are aware of the road closures, but it was done with the assistance of GHMC after a request was made by residents, citing traffic congestion around Anand Bagh signal. We have urged both parties to meet and work towards an amicable solution. The traffic police are ready to assist in any way possible.”
Originally designed to ease traffic congestion, the underpass has paradoxically led to longer commute times due to the barricades that have been in place for the past six months.
Residents of Balram Nagar, Sitaram Nagar, and Devi Nagar are now forced to take a 2-km detour via Anand Bagh X Roads, despite having direct access through Chanakyapuri colony. Currently, the barricades allow only two-wheelers to pass, effectively blocking four-wheeler traffic.
“What should be a five-minute drive has turned into a 20-minute ordeal,” said Kishore Singh, a resident of Balram Nagar. “We’re spending extra money on fuel and wasting our valuable time just because one colony has decided to arbitrarily restrict public access.”
Municipal authorities had previously stated that these roads are public thoroughfares and cannot be closed by private entities. However, despite multiple complaints to the relevant authorities, the situation remains unchanged.
“These roads are meant for public use. Even much narrower roads allow four-wheelers; there’s no reason for these to be blocked,” said Prasanna Kumar, a high court advocate and local resident. “If this isn’t addressed soon, we will take legal action.” Residents also highlighted the impact on daily life, with children arriving late to school and elderly struggling to reach hospitals during emergencies.
When contacted, Malkajgiri traffic SHO B Narasimha acknowledged the issue. “We are aware of the road closures, but it was done with the assistance of GHMC after a request was made by residents, citing traffic congestion around Anand Bagh signal. We have urged both parties to meet and work towards an amicable solution. The traffic police are ready to assist in any way possible.”
