Traffic woes on Vijayawada NH dampen Sankranti mood

 Hyderabad: The return journey of holiday-makers from AP to Hyderabad after the Sankranti vacation turned into an ordeal for commuters, with heavy traffic congestion and long queues at toll plazas located at Pantangi, Korlapahad, Chillakallu, and Keesara on the Vijayawada highway.

It was the same situation last week when the motorists headed home to AP.

Bhargav, a commuter, told Deccan Chronicle, that "I had a great time during the festival, but the journey back home has been stressful. The traffic is moving slow and it's quite exhausting. I am stuck at Chillakallu.”

Another commuter Sudheer Babu said he had anticipated some traffic, but this was beyond my expectation. “It's frustrating, especially after a holiday. I hope the authorities can manage this better in the future.”

Authorities have acknowledged the situation and are working to ease the congestion. As travellers continue their journey back to Hyderabad for the next three or four days, special buses are arranged from villages and traffic police are deployed at critical points to manage the traffic flow.