Hyderabad: Despite a lesser number of vehicles (80 lakh) when compared to other metros such as Delhi (1.4 crore), Bengaluru (1.2 crore), and Pune (82 lakh), Hyderabad’s vehicular pollution levels are the highest. In fact, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the city has been recording a consistent rise in levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide – primarily emitted by vehicles – surpassing all major urban centres.
Between 2022 and 2024, these pollution levels have surged by five to eight times their usual levels, the CPCB data shows.
For instance, as per recent readings, nitrogen oxide concentrations in Hyderabad are at least four times higher than the WHO’s permissible limit of 10 µg/m3, with it hitting 48 µg/m3 on an average here. The average in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, meanwhile, are 28, 34, and 27 µg/m3, respectively. Similarly, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels in Hyderabad are at least twice as high as those recorded in these cities, as per records.
Official data also shows that Hyderabad’s daily vehicular emission stands at 1,500 tonnes. This is about one-third of the total air pollution recorded in the city every day. Of this, over 56% is contributed by two-wheelers, followed by four-wheelers and trucks.
Experts attribute this alarming spike in pollution levels to multiple factors: Rampant use of old vehicles and inadequate public transport being major concerns.
“Due to inefficient combustion and prolonged wear and tear over the years, older vehicles release higher levels of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides,” said Kavitha Vemuri, an environmental researcher at IIIT Hyderabad.
Experts also highlight Hyderabad’s poor public transport system, which has forced more residents to rely on private vehicles, worsening congestion and emissions. Currently, 90% of the vehicles in the city are privately owned.
“Bengaluru has around 6,800 state transport buses, and its metro system accommodates up to seven lakh passengers daily. Delhi has around 6,000 buses and the most extensive metro network in India, with an occupancy of at least 78 lakh. Mumbai, on the other hand, relies heavily on local trains and BEST buses,” said Prashant Bachu, a road transport expert.
In contrast, Hyderabad has only 2,500 state transport buses, and its metro accommodates four lakh commuters daily.
“This disparity has contributed to more private vehicle ownership, exacerbating traffic congestion, and increased emissions. Other metro cities have expanded their public transport systems to meet growing demand. Hyderabad must adopt similar models to address its pollution crisis,” Bachu added.
Lax traffic management
Many also highlighted the city’s poor traffic management. This, they explained, leads to frequent bottlenecks and extended vehicle idling, further increasing emissions. Public policy expert Narasimha Reddy said, “Hyderabad’s road layout is a major problem. Most roads are internal, while the main roads are burdened with multiple flyovers. Rather than easing congestion, these flyovers only increase traffic volume, leading to higher emissions.”
Donthi also stressed the need for immediate action against adulterated fuel, which significantly contributes to pollution.
“That causes nearly twice the emissions compared to pure fuel. Apart from carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, it also increases sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions from vehicles.”
Between 2022 and 2024, these pollution levels have surged by five to eight times their usual levels, the CPCB data shows.
For instance, as per recent readings, nitrogen oxide concentrations in Hyderabad are at least four times higher than the WHO’s permissible limit of 10 µg/m3, with it hitting 48 µg/m3 on an average here. The average in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, meanwhile, are 28, 34, and 27 µg/m3, respectively. Similarly, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels in Hyderabad are at least twice as high as those recorded in these cities, as per records.
Official data also shows that Hyderabad’s daily vehicular emission stands at 1,500 tonnes. This is about one-third of the total air pollution recorded in the city every day. Of this, over 56% is contributed by two-wheelers, followed by four-wheelers and trucks.
Experts attribute this alarming spike in pollution levels to multiple factors: Rampant use of old vehicles and inadequate public transport being major concerns.
“Due to inefficient combustion and prolonged wear and tear over the years, older vehicles release higher levels of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides,” said Kavitha Vemuri, an environmental researcher at IIIT Hyderabad.
Experts also highlight Hyderabad’s poor public transport system, which has forced more residents to rely on private vehicles, worsening congestion and emissions. Currently, 90% of the vehicles in the city are privately owned.
“Bengaluru has around 6,800 state transport buses, and its metro system accommodates up to seven lakh passengers daily. Delhi has around 6,000 buses and the most extensive metro network in India, with an occupancy of at least 78 lakh. Mumbai, on the other hand, relies heavily on local trains and BEST buses,” said Prashant Bachu, a road transport expert.
In contrast, Hyderabad has only 2,500 state transport buses, and its metro accommodates four lakh commuters daily.
“This disparity has contributed to more private vehicle ownership, exacerbating traffic congestion, and increased emissions. Other metro cities have expanded their public transport systems to meet growing demand. Hyderabad must adopt similar models to address its pollution crisis,” Bachu added.
Lax traffic management
Many also highlighted the city’s poor traffic management. This, they explained, leads to frequent bottlenecks and extended vehicle idling, further increasing emissions. Public policy expert Narasimha Reddy said, “Hyderabad’s road layout is a major problem. Most roads are internal, while the main roads are burdened with multiple flyovers. Rather than easing congestion, these flyovers only increase traffic volume, leading to higher emissions.”
Donthi also stressed the need for immediate action against adulterated fuel, which significantly contributes to pollution.
“That causes nearly twice the emissions compared to pure fuel. Apart from carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, it also increases sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions from vehicles.”
