It’s a maze, it’s haphazard, it’s risky, it’s the city traffic

Hyderabad: Essential junctions, especially in the Cyberabad, lack signal infrastructure. With the developing colonies, many crossroads at Neredmet, Kukatpally and even Miyapur, Kondapur and Gachibowli have no traffic control equipment including signals, CCTV camera or basic island development.

While the GHMC recently sanctioned an additional 55 signals, they are only replacements for those that have been removed by the Hyderabad Metro Rail. Around 30 traffic islands in Cyberabad needs immediate infrastructure. The total area of Cyberabad is around 3,600 sq. km, which is over 12 times bigger than Greater Hyderabad’s 625 sq. km. There are over 64 important junctions that see heavy vehicle movement.

Meanwhile, the junctions that already have signals, but need additional equipment, are JNTU, Miyapur, Uppal, LB- Nagar, Vanasthalipuram, ECIL, Radhika Junction, Neredmet, Narsapur, Sujitra, Bala Nagar V junction, Hydergudda, Attapur and areas in Madhapur, Nizampet. Mr Avinash Mohanti, DCP — traffic, Cyberabad said, “We have indicated to the GHMC where additional signals, development of junctions, circles and even U-turns are needed.

At certain junctions, development was carried out using the Traffic department’s funds. Several junctions require road widening and concrete blocks for road division with signboards. The department has already asked for development of 30 junctions with additional signals, also foot overbridges.”

There is an immediate requirement for a foot overbridge at Malaysian Township - Kukatpally. Mr Navneeth Singh, a student, complained, “The crossing at the Malaysian junction is probably the riskiest in this part of the city. The traffic police is not at all regular at this junction, especially between 9 am to 1pm. Each week, I see the traffic police only once or twice during these times. There is a need of a FOB at this junction.”

While GHMC Kukatpally circle officials state that works at JNTU junction with regard to island development had been initiated, they were stopped due to Metro works .
Also, U-turns are needed at Uppal, Miyapur and at the Hafizpet flyover. A GHMC official dealing with traffic island infrastructure said, “GHMC has recently sanctioned 55 signals, a joint inspection with the Cyberabad police will be conducted to identify junctions that need development. The proposals sent by the Cyberabad traffic development will be executed.”