More traffic curbs likely from October 1

Hyderabad: Army has begun construction of a huge gate at the Allahabad entrance at East Marredpally amid speculation that AOC would impose traffic restrictions from October 1, that too, even during the morning peak hours.

Worried residents have approached the local MLA and MLC to stop the construction and sought support from TS and AP sub-area officials. Till date, the two-member defence ministry team has not reached the city, as was promised earlier, and there is no attempt at providing an alternative route.

The construction is causing huge traffic jams on the Marredpally side of the AOC.  B.T. Srinivasan, member of the joint action committee on AOC restrictions, said that when digging of pits began, residents thought it would be some drainage pipe-laying work. However, Saturday, in a jiffy, iron pillars were installed and the pits were filled.

“This is a huge gate a few metres ahead of the Allahabad entrace to AOC. Two more such gates have been installed along the AOC route. This would obstruct traffic. We request the army brass to stop this construction. Discussions are already on between the state administration and the army to provide an alternative route for civilians using the AOC road,” he said.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar had assured a delegation of citizens that he would send a team of officials and identify the alternative routes.

Malkajgiri MLA Kanaka Reddy said if the restrictions are imposed, the state government should stop water and power supply to the military area.

“My constituency will be affected. Without any intimation, they cannot do such things. We will protest a road closure.”

“When the ministry is already looking into the matter, how can any further restrictions on people’s movement be introduced by the army brass here,” asked Malkajgiri MLC, Ramachander Rao Naraparaju.

In August, the military brass here held a meeting with Greater Hyderabad Municipal  commissioner and state chief secretary to discuss the alternative route plan.

However, now, none of the officials from the AOC in Secunderabad is ready to give a comment on the present action.