Hyderabad: Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the busy IT corridor near ITC Kohenur are grappling with severe inconvenience as ongoing pipeline and road repair works have left a stretch of the carriageway dug up and partially restored. The unfinished work, located on one of the key routes connecting Hitec City, Madhapur, and Gachibowli, has narrowed the available road space, leading to traffic congestion and safety concerns.
Excavation and Debris Cause Bottlenecks
Large portions of the road median and adjoining pedestrian areas have been excavated for laying utility pipelines. However, debris, broken concrete slabs, exposed manholes, and uneven surfaces remain scattered across the stretch. During peak office hours, the bottlenecks force vehicles to slow down considerably, resulting in long queues and increasing travel time for thousands of commuters heading to and from the IT hub.
Commuters Express Frustration
“Every morning and evening, vehicles pile up near this stretch because the road width has reduced significantly. What should take five minutes now takes nearly 15 to 20 minutes. I have to take a longer route, and bike app aggregators also charge extra,” said Poushali Majumder, a marketing analyst who uses the route daily. Residents and commuters said the situation becomes particularly hazardous for two-wheeler riders, who are often forced to navigate around construction debris and uneven road surfaces. Pedestrians using the nearby footpath also face difficulties due to damaged sections and the presence of construction material.
Monsoon Aggravates Problems
Commuters further lamented that during rains, water collects around the dug-up portions, making it difficult to judge the depth of potholes or open utility chambers. “It rained on Saturday and, as I travel from Kondapur to Hitec City every day, there was heavy waterlogging. We had to navigate our way cautiously without any official managing traffic. The authorities should complete the work before the monsoon intensifies,” said V Ramesh, a daily commuter.
Lack of Safety Measures
They also pointed out lack of barricading and warning signs. “The exposed manholes and loose rubble are a serious safety risk, especially at night or during rains. Thousands of residents, including me, commute through this stretch every day, and a minor mistake can lead to accidents,” said Kavitha Rao, a resident of a nearby society. The stretch is a crucial access route for several IT parks, commercial establishments, and residential communities.
Call for Coordinated Action
“Development works are necessary, but they should not be left unfinished for weeks. Agencies involved must coordinate better and restore the road immediately after laying the pipeline. Citizens should not have to suffer because of poor planning,” said Krishna Jadhav, an IT worker. Locals urged the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) to expedite the remaining pipeline work, clear the debris, and fully restore the road before the onset of the monsoon. They warned that rains could further deteriorate the stretch, increasing the risk of accidents and worsening traffic congestion in one of Hyderabad’s busiest business districts.
Official Response
Meanwhile, a HMWSSB official said that pipeline-laying works in the stretch have been completed. “Following the completion of underground utility works, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been informed to take up restoration of the road. The repair works will be taken up shortly to restore smooth traffic movement.”
