Dasara rush brings traffic on highways to a crawl; buses, trains packed to the hilt

Hyderabad: Thousands of families from Hyderabad and its surrounding areas headed to their hometowns across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to celebrate Dasara, triggering heavy traffic congestion on major highways. Long queues of cars, buses and other vehicles were seen at toll plazas despite special arrangements by authorities to minimise delays.

Officials opened additional toll gates to regulate the festive rush, with vehicle movement increasing nearly eightfold compared to normal days. FastTag facilities helped ensure smoother passage, with more than 1,000 vehicles passing through toll plazas every hour, particularly on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada route. On regular days, vehicle numbers generally ranged between 150 and 200.

Major highways connecting Hyderabad with Vijayawada, Hanamkonda, Warangal, Karimnagar and Kurnool witnessed heavy traffic, affecting inter-district and interstate travel. The Vijayawada–Hyderabad highway experienced significant jams between Abdullapurmet and Kothaduem, besides Choutuppal and the Korlapahad toll plaza in Nalgonda district.

Meanwhile, bus terminals and railway stations across Hyderabad and Secunderabad were packed with passengers travelling to their native places. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) arranged more than 7,000 special buses to meet the festive demand, connecting passengers to destinations across Telangana and neighbouring states. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) also introduced special services from various locations in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.

Major bus stations, including Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) and Dilsukhnagar, recorded a substantial rise in passenger numbers.

TGSRTC Managing Director Y Nagi Reddy said the corporation anticipated a significant increase in travel demand on October 9, 10, 16 and 17, and would deploy additional buses based on requirements.

The corporation also made arrangements for the return rush expected on October 25 and 26. Special buses in Hyderabad will operate from MGBS, JBS, Uppal, Aramghar, LB Nagar Cross Roads, KPHB, Bowenpally and Gachibowli, Nagi Reddy said.

Railway stations across the twin cities have recorded more than three lakh passengers daily since October 9, with the rush expected to continue until Tuesday. South Central Railway (SCR) arranged around 600 additional trains, including special services from Cherlapally, Nampally, Kacheguda, Malkajgiri, Hi-Tec City and Lingampally. Despite these arrangements, trains departing from Secunderabad, Nampally and Kacheguda remained crowded.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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