Hyderabad Diwali traffic slowed movement across major roads and transport hubs as last-minute shopping and the movement of passengers travelling to their hometowns intensified ahead of the festival. The South Central Railway has responded by operating 400 special trains, while city traffic police have issued congestion warnings for several busy markets, religious sites and arterial routes.
Traffic moved slowly on the High Court–Delhi Gate–Afzalgunj–MJ Market stretch after heavy public movement around Begum Bazaar. The Gudimalkapur Flower Market also reported congestion near Pillar Nos. 75, 70 and Laxmi Nagar, where vehicles carrying flowers added to the pressure on surrounding roads.
Traffic police have warned of further congestion on routes leading to Bhagyalaxmi Temple at Charminar, including Madina, Murgi Chowk and Shah Ali Banda. Special parking arrangements have been made for devotees, who have been advised to follow the instructions of traffic personnel and use designated parking facilities.
The festive rush has also extended to the city’s public transport network. MGBS, JBS and Dilsukhnagar bus stations recorded increased passenger movement as people travelled to their native places. Secunderabad railway station also witnessed a surge in passengers, adding pressure to one of Hyderabad’s key intercity transport points.
To handle the railway demand, the South Central Railway is running 400 special trains, including six major routes originating from Secunderabad. The railway has arranged additional coaches, ticket counters, help desks and staff to assist passengers during the rush. These measures are intended to increase capacity and manage passenger movement at stations and on trains.
The railway response also includes additional security arrangements. Around 200 Railway Protection Force personnel have been deployed for crowd management, CCTV surveillance and security checks. The deployment reflects the operational challenge created when large numbers of passengers converge at stations within a short period during a major festival.
Passengers have been warned not to carry firecrackers or other inflammable materials on trains or railway premises. The South Central Railway said violations attract punishment under Section 164 of the Railways Act, including imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both.
The traffic and railway measures cover two linked parts of the festive travel surge: local movement through markets, religious areas and bus terminals, and longer-distance travel from railway stations. Authorities have asked commuters and devotees to use designated parking areas, follow on-ground instructions and comply with railway security checks as the Diwali rush continues.
