One-way hell at KBR

Hyderabad: It’s a huge nightmare for motorists trying to navigate through the 5-km Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park centre in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Even after the road was made one-way system for smooth flow of the traffic, there was bumper-to-bumper movement of the vehicles on the road, stretching nearly a kilometre in surrounding areas. Commuters reported that journey through the stretch which normally takes around 15 minutes took 45 to 50 minutes and more during the morning and evening rush hour.

The Hyderabad Traffic Police introduced the new one-way system around the KBR Park from 6 am on August 18 as part of the measures to manage traffic during the ongoing Hyderabad City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (H-CITI) works. However, on the first day of implementation, motorists faced severe delays as traffic moved at a snail’s pace.

The six-lane road surrounding the KBR Park, which has already witnessed congestion at major signals, effectively turned into a giant traffic jam on Tuesday. With vehicles being diverted into the new one-way circulation system, long queues formed and motorists struggled to understand the revised movement pattern.

Several commuters said the new arrangement significantly increased their travel time. “A route that normally takes about 15 minutes took us 45 to 50 minutes today. The traffic was barely moving at several points,” said a motorist who travelled through the KBR Park stretch on Tuesday morning.

Another commuter said the first-day confusion added to the congestion. “We understand that the system has been introduced because of the construction works, but there should be clearer lane guidance and better traffic management at the points where vehicles are being diverted,” a commuter said.

The new arrangement does not allow motorists to simply take the old U-turns or right turns to return to their previous routes. Instead, designated lane changers, median openings and exits have been created to regulate vehicle movement.

Traffic police have advised motorists to follow signboards and instructions from personnel deployed on the stretch rather than attempting shortcuts. Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar reviewed the traffic system on a bike at various stretches. Joint CP (Traffic) D Joel Davis, was present around the KBR Park to monitor the situation and regulate traffic.

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