Hyderabad: Pipe work hits traffic at Safilguda

Hyderabad: The busy Safilguda mini tank bund crossroads faced a gridlock on Monday as a major part of the main road near the NTR statue was blocked to complete repair the road after laying a pipeline. The pipeline was laid as part of the World Bank-aided project to improve the water supply in Malkajgiri.

Officials said that the block was temporary and the road would be opened at midnight for traffic on Tuesday. The road was closed without sufficient notice, and caught motorists unawares on Monday.

Because of the road closure, RTC buses were stopped midway. Commuters had to walk past the block road and take another bus to resume their journey.

Ms Yolander Murray, resident of Krupa Complex, said, “Buses from NTR statue toward East Anandbagh had to halt midway. I walked to Andalos Bakery (close to 1 km) and took another bus from there to Mettaguda.”

“This is the main stretch especially for those travelling to and from Secunderabad. Commuters were forced to take internal lanes of surrounding colonies,” said Mr B.T Srinivas, president of the Malkajgiri Welfare Association.  

Asked about the road block, a Water Board official said the laying of the pipeline had been completed and the contractor was taking up the road restoration work.

He said concrete slabs were being laid, and the road would be recarpeted. “The contractor has been told to complete the work on schedule,”  the Water Board officer said.