Hyderabad Traffic Struggles as Sankranti Travelers Return Home

Heavy traffic congestion is being reported on the Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway as travelers return to Hyderabad after Sankranti celebrations. Vehicles moving from Andhra Pradesh to Telangana are experiencing delays, particularly near toll plazas and key junctions.

Traffic has slowed significantly near the Nandigama-Keesara and Jaggayyapet-Chillakallu toll gates. Police personnel are working to expedite vehicle movement, but the sheer volume of returning vehicles is causing long queues. A container stuck under the railway underpass at Chityala in Nalgonda district has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a four-kilometer-long traffic jam.

Travelers from Godavari and Krishna districts are making their way back to Hyderabad, contributing to the congestion. Many are using personal vehicles, buses, and trains, leading to overcrowding across various modes of transport. The Sankranti festivities saw a significant number of people traveling to their hometowns in Andhra Pradesh, and their return journey is now causing bottlenecks.

Bus stations in Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, and Eluru are witnessing a surge in passengers. Officials have introduced additional bus services to accommodate the increased demand, with special routes to Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Visakhapatnam. Despite these measures, buses remain packed, and passengers are experiencing extended waiting times.

Railway stations, including Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, and Tirupati, are overwhelmed with travelers. Most trains heading to Hyderabad are fully booked, leaving many to travel in general compartments. Railway officials have added extra coaches to some trains, but the demand continues to outpace capacity. Calls for further coach additions are being raised by passengers.

As vehicles enter Hyderabad, traffic jams are being reported in key areas, including Secunderabad Railway Station, Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), Jubilee Bus Station (JBS), Ameerpet Metro Station, Uppal, and LB Nagar. Traffic police have been deployed to manage the increased vehicle flow and clear congestion promptly.

The police are working to minimize delays by deploying additional personnel at toll gates and busy intersections. Efforts are being made to streamline vehicle movement and reduce waiting times. Despite these interventions, the return journey for many remains slow and tedious.