Hyderabad residents demand urgent repair of pothole-ridden internal roads
Poorly maintained internal roads across Hyderabad continue to frustrate daily commuters and residents, as potholes and half-finished works worsen traffic woes. Several neighbourhoods are witnessing deteriorating infrastructure conditions, with the lack of timely repair posing safety hazards and increasing commute times. While civic officials acknowledge the backlog of maintenance work, residents say that repeated complaints have gone unheard, leaving many stretches in a neglected state. Concerns are rising ahead of the monsoon, as waterlogging could further degrade road surfaces.
Despite Hyderabad’s efforts to modernise urban mobility, internal road networks remain a glaring weak spot in infrastructure planning. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been criticised for its slow response and lack of coordination in addressing routine road issues. In many cases, repair works are left midway, blocking one side of a street and forcing pedestrians and motorists to risk travel on unstable surfaces. These conditions disproportionately affect children, senior citizens, and two-wheeler users, who are more vulnerable to road accidents caused by potholes. Locals report that internal roads in areas like Kukatpally, Mehdipatnam, and parts of the Old City have not been resurfaced in over a year. In some stretches, water stagnation has deepened existing potholes, eroding bitumen layers and creating dangerous craters.
Residents claim that civic response is usually reactive, only triggered after a mishap or media coverage. Meanwhile, urban planners argue that Hyderabad’s growing population and rapid real estate development demand a more resilient and inclusive road infrastructure framework with consistent upkeep. Officials within the GHMC admit to challenges in managing a vast road network with limited resources, but urban activists call for a more proactive and transparent repair mechanism. With the city facing unpredictable rainfall and mounting traffic pressure, the need for durable, weather-resistant road design and timely pothole-filling mechanisms has never been more urgent. Fixing internal roads is not just about mobility—it’s about building trust in public infrastructure and ensuring a safer, accessible city for all.
Fixing Hyderabad’s inner roads requires a committed shift towards sustainable urban management. Instead of ad hoc repairs, the city must adopt climate-resilient materials, decentralised response units for minor repairs, and community-led feedback loops. As the capital prepares for heavier monsoon activity, the urgency to prioritise safe, walkable, and motorable roads must override bureaucratic delays. A reliable road network is the foundation for equitable mobility in any growing metropolis.
