Hyderabad: As the clock struck 12 across the country, Hyderabadis celebrated a very cautious and safe New Year on Tuesday night. The city’s popular destinations like Tank Bund, Durgam Cheruvu, Road No 45 Jubilee Hills and the financial district were buzzing with excitement.
However, amidst the excitement, revellers were upset that the party venues closed at 12 am. They said they had to make their way home through traffic congestion that lasted until 1.30am. “The early closure definitely dampened the mood a bit,” said Ronney, a software employee who was celebrating at a pub in Jubilee Hills. “Usually we party until at least 2am, but this year we had to leave right at the peak of the celebrations.”
At Tank Bund, crowds gathered despite the chilly weather. People were seen skateboarding, dancing and taking selfies as fireworks lit up the sky along the lakefront, albeit briefly.
Traffic personnel from Hyderabad and Cyberabad, along with traffic volunteers, were seen in large numbers at key intersections and roads, conducting thorough checks for drunk driving. Nearly 200 checkpoints were set up by the Hyderabad traffic police. Sub-inspector Pallapu Mahesh, stationed at a checkpost in Secunderabad, said: “We have already conducted over 50 breathalyser tests before midnight. The focus is to ensure that everyone reaches home safely.”
“This year, we’re seeing better compliance from citizens,” said traffic inspector Praveen Kumar, manning a checkpost on Road No 45 Jubilee Hills. “A lot of people have opted for taxis or designated drivers, which shows an increased awareness about road safety.”
Incidentally, all the flyovers that fall under Hyderabad’s traffic restrictions — which the police had earlier ordered to be closed on a need-to-know basis — were open, with traffic cops admitting that the advisories were a deterrent and that commuters’ convenience was being ensured. “The flyovers are open for now after assessing the situation,” said a traffic cop. “Our teams were strategically placed to monitor the density of vehicles and check for any violations.”
Apart from a few tipplers causing a minor nuisance, 2025 was greeted peacefully by the city’s residents. Police reported minimal incidents and most celebrations ended without major problems, marking a responsible start to the new year in Hyderabad.
However, amidst the excitement, revellers were upset that the party venues closed at 12 am. They said they had to make their way home through traffic congestion that lasted until 1.30am. “The early closure definitely dampened the mood a bit,” said Ronney, a software employee who was celebrating at a pub in Jubilee Hills. “Usually we party until at least 2am, but this year we had to leave right at the peak of the celebrations.”
At Tank Bund, crowds gathered despite the chilly weather. People were seen skateboarding, dancing and taking selfies as fireworks lit up the sky along the lakefront, albeit briefly.
Traffic personnel from Hyderabad and Cyberabad, along with traffic volunteers, were seen in large numbers at key intersections and roads, conducting thorough checks for drunk driving. Nearly 200 checkpoints were set up by the Hyderabad traffic police. Sub-inspector Pallapu Mahesh, stationed at a checkpost in Secunderabad, said: “We have already conducted over 50 breathalyser tests before midnight. The focus is to ensure that everyone reaches home safely.”
“This year, we’re seeing better compliance from citizens,” said traffic inspector Praveen Kumar, manning a checkpost on Road No 45 Jubilee Hills. “A lot of people have opted for taxis or designated drivers, which shows an increased awareness about road safety.”
Incidentally, all the flyovers that fall under Hyderabad’s traffic restrictions — which the police had earlier ordered to be closed on a need-to-know basis — were open, with traffic cops admitting that the advisories were a deterrent and that commuters’ convenience was being ensured. “The flyovers are open for now after assessing the situation,” said a traffic cop. “Our teams were strategically placed to monitor the density of vehicles and check for any violations.”
Apart from a few tipplers causing a minor nuisance, 2025 was greeted peacefully by the city’s residents. Police reported minimal incidents and most celebrations ended without major problems, marking a responsible start to the new year in Hyderabad.
