Fatehnagar flyover in Hyderabad collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, leaving two individuals injured and raising fresh concerns over structural safety across the city.
The incident took place near Sanathnagar, where the old staircase — reportedly over three decades old — suddenly gave way while being used by pedestrians. Eyewitnesses described a loud crash followed by chaos as the structure crumbled underfoot. Fortunately, the two victims sustained only minor injuries and were immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment.Preliminary observations by local authorities suggest that the structure had suffered gradual deterioration, possibly worsened by the recent rains. Officials believe water seepage into the ageing concrete may have weakened the staircase, which ultimately collapsed under strain. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), along with Sanathnagar police, has launched an investigation to determine the precise cause and identify other vulnerable structures nearby.
Residents of the area, many of whom rely on the pedestrian infrastructure to access the railway station and bus stops, voiced frustration at the lack of proactive maintenance. Several civic activists highlighted that the staircase had shown signs of disrepair for months, yet no remedial work was undertaken. The collapse has once again drawn attention to the recurring pattern of civic inaction in Hyderabad when it comes to maintaining ageing infrastructure.“This could have been far worse,” said a local commuter who frequents the route. “If it had happened during peak hours, the number of injuries could have been much higher.” The incident has triggered calls for urgent audits of similar structures across the city — particularly those exposed to rain and daily foot traffic.
Following the collapse, GHMC officials cordoned off the area and initiated a safety review of the flyover and adjacent facilities. Engineers have been directed to conduct structural audits of all pedestrian staircases and access points attached to bridges and flyovers in the vicinity. A formal report is expected in the coming days, which will guide repair or replacement efforts.As Hyderabad braces for heavier monsoon spells in the weeks ahead, civic authorities are under mounting pressure to act swiftly. The city’s rapid urbanisation, combined with intermittent rain events, places enormous stress on public infrastructure — much of which dates back several decades and lacks climate resilience.
While there is no official word yet on whether the collapsed structure will be rebuilt or redesigned, GHMC sources indicated that a permanent solution will only be decided after the audit. For now, residents are being advised to avoid the site and report any visible damage to similar public structures.
In a city that aims to be a global hub for innovation and technology, Tuesday’s collapse is a sobering reminder that urban safety must be prioritised alongside development. With public trust in civic infrastructure shaken once again, authorities must now deliver on their promises of sustainable, safe, and inclusive urban planning — before the next downpour brings another avoidable tragedy.
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