How empty private school buses in Serlingampally are causing traffic jams

Hyderabad: Rani (name changed), a student of Sancta Maria International School, has been late for school every day even though she only lives 4-5 kms away. It's not because she wakes up late or takes a little more time getting ready. Even though she starts almost 20 minutes early she's late because of the traffic.

Usually, Google Maps say that it's a 10-minute ride from Rani's house to her school. But between 7:45 a.m and 8 a.m every day, the travel time doubles. It takes close to 30 minutes or more to cross just one junction. The traffic jam is being caused due to nearly 20-30 empty Chirec International School Buses at the Professor CR Rao road, adjacent to Aurobindo road (the traffic jam goes on for at least 500m to 700m).

The private school buses travel without children from one of its other campuses in Kondapur to Gachibowli road. While a few buses carry children, most of them are empty.

Parents of Sancta Maria International School and many others have been troubled by the traffic jam caused by empty school buses. "All the buses come at the same time. They come on the main road, take a u-turn, and then turn left towards Aurobindo road," said Keerthi, a parent.

The buses line up one after another to take a u-turn which has been stalling multiple school-going vehicles for several days.

Several parents of children who go to Sancta Maria International School suggest that empty buses be ferried after 8:30 a.m so that students can reach school on time.

To add to the high number of buses, the u-turn which the buses take have barricades (orange bars) that are meant for slowing down a vehicle. "At times, I feel so frustrated that I want to go and tear down those barricades. Maybe at least then it will be better," says Rupa, another parent.

Parents say that it is sad to see their children get late for school even though they don't live far away. Additionally, buses that ferry children from across the city are also being delayed at times due to the traffic.

"When children reach the school late, they miss out on the breakfast provided by the school," explained Keerthi. As per Sancta Maria International School's schedule, the breakfast time for all students is 8:15 a.m to 8:45 a.m.