Without notice, 'Local Military Authority' closes roads for Republic Day

Hyderabad: The Local Military Authority has closed some roads in the Secunderabad Cantonment without prior information to road-users for the Republic Day.

According to the rules, the road closure should be widely publicised.

Motorists who were unaware of the restrictions were made to take long detours.

The LMA had placed placards on the roadside stating that the roads would be closed till January 28.

The affected roads include those at Balajinnagar, Hakimpet, and traffic was diverted to Karkhana.

When contacted, a defence officer said, “It is a regular affair and happens every year. People have got used to it. We have arranged notices near the places were the roads are closed.”

The officer said soldiers had come from other places for the Republic Day parade.

“Due to security reasons, we have closed the roads. It's a common feature in many other cantonments as well, as a matter of security,” he said.

A resident on the condition of anonymity said, “Though it is an annual activity, we should be informed when the closure begins and ends so that we can plan our commute accordingly.””

“Many motorists went up to the gates and had to return,” the resident added.

A Secunderabad Cantonment Board official said they were not aware that the roads were closed.