New Year traffic curbs: No vehicles allowed on Tank Bund and Necklace Road from 11 pm to 2 am

Hyderabad: Ahead of New Year celebrations, the Hyderabad Traffic Police has announced extensive traffic restrictions, diversions and safety measures across the city on the night of December 31, to ensure public order and road safety.

The restrictions will mainly cover Tank Bund, Necklace Road and surrounding areas between 11 pm and 2 am on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1, police officials said.

Heavy police deployment across city

As part of the arrangements, traffic personnel will be deployed at 217 key junctions and intersections across the city. Special focus will be on:

- Tank Bund and Hussain Sagar surroundings

- NTR Marg and PVNR Marg (Necklace Road)

- Commercial and nightlife hubs in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Punjagutta, Khairatabad, Saifabad and nearby areas

- Markets, malls, pubs, bars and event venues

Complete traffic ban on Tank Bund and Necklace Road

Vehicular traffic will be completely prohibited on the following stretches from 11 pm to 2 am: Tank Bund, NTR Marg and PVNR Marg (Necklace Road). The restrictions apply to all private and public transport vehicles, based on ground conditions and crowd movement.

Traffic diversions around Hussain Sagar

Need-based diversions will be enforced around Hussain Sagar Lake. Key diversion points include:

- VV Statue: Traffic towards Khairatabad flyover diverted to Shadan College

- Secretariat Junction: Vehicles towards NTR Marg diverted to Iqbal Minar

- Old Ambedkar Statue: Traffic towards Upper Tank Bund diverted to Liberty

- Khairatabad Bada Ganesh: Vehicles diverted via Sensation Theatre and Lakdikapool

- Nallagutta X Roads & DBR Mills: Traffic redirected towards Ranigunj and Kawadiguda

Police have advised commuters to avoid the lake area during peak celebration hours.

Flyovers and heavy vehicles restrictions

All flyovers except Begumpet and Tolichowki may be closed on a need basis.

PVNR Expressway Flyover will remain open only for airport-bound passengers with valid air tickets.

Entry of private travel buses, lorries, HGVs and HPVs into Hyderabad city will be prohibited from 10 pm to 2 am. Such vehicles are advised to use the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

Designated parking for Tank Bund visitors

Visitors walking to Tank Bund are advised to park their vehicles at designated locations:

- Secretariat Visitors’ Parking

- HMDA Parking Ground (near Prasad’s Multiplex)

- GHMC Head Office Lane

- Race Course Road (near NTR Ghat)

- Adarsh Nagar Lane (two-wheelers only)

- NTR Stadium

Guidelines for hotels, pubs and event organisers

Police have directed 3-star and above hotels, clubs, pubs and event organisers to:

- Arrange adequate parking and security

- Regulate traffic movement around venues

- Restrict liquor service to permitted hours

- Provide safe transportation for intoxicated patrons

Strict action against traffic violations

The Hyderabad Traffic Police will conduct intensive checks against:

- Drunk driving

- Over-speeding

- Rash and dangerous driving

- Stunt biking and racing

- Wrong-side driving

- Helmet-less and triple riding

Drunk driving is punishable under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, with a fine of Rs 10,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Repeat offenders risk suspension or cancellation of their driving licences. Vehicle owners allowing minors to drive will also face prosecution.