Hyderabad: The number of vehicles in the city is every year but the road space has not been increased, adding to traffic congestion. Nearly six lakh vehicles of all categories were registered in Hyderabad in 2015 and up to October 31 this year.
As on date, the vehicle population in the state capital is over 45 lakh but road space is less than 12 per cent of the total geographical area of the city. About 800 vehicles are being added every day, increasing load on already congested roads.
Retired scientist from the Central Road Research Institute, Mr T S Reddy said that for a city with a vehicle population of over 40 lakh,road space should be at least 20 per cent of its total geographical spread. Greater Hyderabad has less than 12 per cent road space.
Measures like increasing the taxation for owning a second vehicle has not worked as multiple vehicles are being registered in the name of various members of the same family.
Stating that the government should promote and strengthen the public transport system, he said the government should either increase the road space for vehicles or regulate private vehicles on busy roads. “Even the system of giving permission for new vehicle registration should change. New vehicles should be allowed to be registered only if the owner shows parking space at his residence for that vehicle,” T S Reddy added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mr L S Chowhan said public transport network like metro rail, bus rapid transit system, multi-modal transport system, RTC bus services should be extended and improved. “Restriction of private vehicles during busy hours, as done for trucks, is also a good suggestion,” he said.
