Hyderabad: Traffic slowdowns have become a routine affair on the Falaknuma rail over bridge owing to its narrow width.
The bridge connects the Old City areas with the newer colonies at Chandrayangutta, Pahadishareef, Shaheennagar, Errakunta, Bandlaguda and Hafeezbabanagar. The bridge was constructed nearly two decades ago when hardly few vehicles plied on the stretch.
“During mornings, the traffic slowdowns are a common. It takes between 10 to 15 minutes for the traffic to cross the stretch. The problem is acute when there is a breakdown of a vehicle or even a small accident,” complains Mr Syed Akram Haji, a resident of Farooqnagar.
In fact, the road leading to the RoB from Falaknuma or Chandrayangutta side is about 60 feet wide. “When approaching the bridge, the vehicles have to slowdown and go at snail pace especially during the evening hours when the traffic volume peaks,” informs Ms Nusrathunnisa, a private employee who lives at Bandlaguda.
Falaknuma traffic inspector Ch Narendra Rao said that they are posting a traffic constable during morning and evening hours to deal with traffic issues. “During the day when there is breakdown of vehicles our personnel rush and clear the traffic,” he said.
When contacted GHMC commissioner (South) Srinivas Reddy said that the paper work has started after the issue was brought to the notice of minister K.T. Rama Rao. “We have written to the railways about the problems and asked them to coordinate with us in the widening of the RoB. After a joint inspection, we will decide whether to widen the existing RoB or construct another one.”
