The busy junction under the flyover next to Sarath City Capital Mall in Hyderabad's tech hub of Gachibowli has transformed into a perilous crossing for hundreds of daily commuters and IT professionals. Pedestrians attempting to reach the mall or the Hitec City bus station on the opposite side are forced to play a dangerous game with fast-moving traffic, risking their lives due to a complete absence of basic safety infrastructure.
A Recipe for Disaster: Missing Safety Measures
This critical four-way intersection functions without any pedestrian-friendly facilities. There are no zebra crossings, pedestrian signals, or clear lane markings. This glaring omission compels people to rely on hand gestures and sudden sprints, weaving through vehicles that often show little regard for those on foot. A field visit to the spot confirmed it is a high-risk zone where crossing the road is a daunting challenge, especially during peak hours.
Voices from the Ground: Daily Ordeal for IT Employees
Several pedestrians who navigate this junction regularly shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. B Sathvika, an employee of a multinational company, revealed the constant fear she faces. "During my afternoon break, I walk to the mall from my Gachibowli office. I've had numerous close calls, almost being hit by vehicles speeding through without a thought for people crossing," she said.
Alish Naity, a consultant with an IT firm in Hitec City, highlighted the frustrating delays. He pointed out that while the mall is just meters from the bus stop, crossing can take an absurdly long time. "During peak hours, waiting can exceed 15 minutes. With non-stop traffic and no regular breaks, finding a safe gap to cross is a lengthy ordeal," Naity explained.
Engineering Flaws and a Fatal History
Road safety experts have identified fundamental design problems contributing to the danger. Lokendra Singh, a state government-certified road safety trainer, explained that the flyover's engineering creates hazardous conditions. "The pillars create blind spots for both drivers and pedestrians, making it hard to see each other. This has directly led to accidents," Singh stated. He underscored the severity by revealing a tragic incident: last year, a person died on the spot after being hit by a speeding vehicle at this very junction.
Official Response: A Skywalk as a Potential Solution
Authorities have acknowledged the problem and are exploring a structural fix. Kontham Chandrashekhar Reddy, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Madhapur traffic, confirmed that discussions are active. "We are considering installing a skywalk at the junction to directly connect the mall to the botanical garden area. A regular foot overbridge was not feasible due to the existing flyover," he said.
Reddy added that the Hyderabad Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (HUMTA) has prepared a detailed project report for the proposed skywalk. The process will move to the tender stage once the feasibility of the installation is firmly established, offering a glimmer of hope for a safer future.
