Indian Racing League brings along new traffic hassles for Hyd commuters

Hyderabad: With the Indian Racing League and Formula E trial runs happening at the newly-constructed race track around Hussain Sagar, the area has been closed to regular commuters. Due to the diversions, the traffic spilled over to other parts of the city, creating trouble for the citizens.

The roads between Khairatabad junction, IMAX Necklace Rotary to Telugu Talli flyover, and the roads connecting to the Mint compound are closed.

"To go from Ashoknagar to other parts of the city like Madhapur or Jubilee Hills, it takes no less than two hours," said a resident of the city who did not wish to be named.

Mr. Shiva, who works at Care Hospitals Banjara Hills, says it took him 45 minutes to cover a distance of about 3km from Banjara Hills to Masab Tank.

Another resident, Mr. Raghav, who travels from Nallakunta to Jubilee Hills for work, says it has become a bit of a hassle. "But these temporary issues are expected when something large-scale is happening in the city," he adds.

"The alternate route is to go from Secunderabad which becomes a lengthy one," says another commuter who travels from Himayat Nagar to west Hyderabad.

Public transport

RTC buses from Afzalgunj towards Secunderabad avoid Tank Bund road and take the Telugu Talli flyover, Katta Maisamma, Lower Tank Bund, DBR Mills, and Kavadiguda.

"It is undoubtedly a big headache for everyday users. I used to face difficulty every time I had to visit the Sunday Funday event," says Sai Ratnam, a transport researcher.

"Because buses must go on Telugu Talli flyover, they skip stops on Tank Bund and Secretariat. This will increase the walking distance for people wanting to visit Tank Bund because now their closest bus stop will be Telephone Bhavan," he further explains.

The Hyderabad traffic police have imposed traffic diversions from 10 p.m on 16 November to 10 p.m on 20 November.