Traffic Chaos: Uppal Commuters Trapped in Diversions

Hyderabad: What was meant to be a routine traffic diversion for construction of the Uppal–Narapally elevated corridor turned into an exhausting crawl through colony lanes, blaring horns and bumper‑to‑bumper traffic across Uppal and adjoining areas on Monday, the first day of restrictions.

From Uppal Bhagayat and Pista House to Stadium Metro station and Survey of India junction, vehicles moved at a snail’s pace as motorists struggled with diversion routes, U‑turns and choked internal roads under the afternoon heat.

At several junctions, commuters sat through repeated signal cycles without moving more than a few metres. RTC buses attempting U‑turns near Ek Minar Masjid and Veerappa Gadda–Pista House slowed movement further, creating long queues on the three‑lane stretch.

“One hour and we are still stuck near Uppal Bhagayat. Vehicles are hardly moving. Even an ambulance was trapped for close to 10 minutes before police intervened,” said M. Srikanth, a software employee travelling from Ramanthapur.

The closure of parts of the Uppal Ring Road forced traffic into narrow colony roads, where residents complained of constant honking, dust and heavy vehicles disturbing daily life. “Children and elderly people cannot walk comfortably outside now,” said K. Sujatha of Uppal Bhagayat colony.

Congestion was especially severe near Pista House, Warangal Mehfil–Bhagayat and Lakshmareddy Colony during peak hours. “The RTC bus U‑turn near Veerappa Gadda and Pista House has become a major pressure point,” said Nagaraju G., inspector at Uppal Traffic Police Station.

Drivers also complained of unclear or missing diversion signboards. “People realise they are on the wrong road only after getting stuck. Boards should have been placed much earlier,” said office‑goer P. Harish from Nagole. Police said some signboards with iron handles had gone missing overnight, suspected to have been taken by rag pickers, and new ones were being prepared.

Traffic officers admitted motorists relying on navigation apps and taking shortcuts through bylanes were worsening congestion. “Everyone wants shortcuts, and that is adding to the confusion,” said Srinivas N., a traffic officer.

Officials conceded the diversion plan did not undergo a full trial run before implementation, citing IPL matches, early monsoon conditions and the approaching school reopening season.

Roadside vendors reported a sharp drop in customer movement as vehicles no longer stop near market stretches. Auto drivers and passengers argued over increased fares, with short trips now taking 40 minutes to an hour.