Hussain Sagar traffic restrictions continued to disrupt Hyderabad commuters on Saturday, with roads around Indira Park, Lower Tank Bund and other stretches closed for Ganesh immersion arrangements and long queues reported on connecting routes.
The restrictions remained in force for the second consecutive day as traffic police regulated vehicle movement around the lake to facilitate immersion processions and meet security requirements. Motorists travelling towards workplaces and central parts of the city were stopped from entering restricted stretches, leaving several commuters stranded.
Traffic congestion was reported on roads leading towards Indira Park and Lower Tank Bund. At some locations, motorists argued with police personnel after being prevented from proceeding towards their destinations. Confrontations were witnessed at Indira Park and Lower Tank Bund as commuters sought permission to pass through the closed routes.
Traffic police personnel cited the ongoing immersion arrangements while enforcing the restrictions. Police teams were deployed at key junctions to prevent vehicles from entering the affected stretches and to regulate traffic diverted onto connecting roads.
The traffic police issued a fresh advisory on Saturday, asking motorists to avoid roads around Hussain Sagar and use alternative routes wherever possible. Commuters were also advised to plan their journeys in advance because of the large number of vehicles travelling towards central Hyderabad for work.
The closures are part of arrangements for the Ganesh immersion programme, during which processions move through parts of the city and require traffic control and security deployment. The restrictions are intended to allow the processions to move safely and without interference from regular vehicular traffic.
The disruption was particularly visible on Saturday as commuters encountered congestion beyond the immediately restricted roads. With police personnel stationed at important junctions, vehicles were redirected before they could reach the closed stretches around Hussain Sagar.
The traffic police appealed to motorists to cooperate with the diversions and follow the advisory while the immersion arrangements continue. Commuters heading towards the lake-side roads have been asked to select alternative routes and allow additional travel time.
