Hyderabad has once again found itself at the centre of an urban debate after an international travel vlogger showcased the city’s skyline and modern infrastructure in a video that went viral on social media. The clip, which has drawn millions of views globally, praised the city’s planned spaces, pedestrian-friendly stretches, and high-rise corridors, comparing them to global urban hubs. Yet, the viral appreciation has also triggered an equally intense discussion among citizens on whether the picture represents the lived reality of the entire city.
The video spotlighted Hyderabad’s HITEC City, an emblem of India’s technology-driven growth, showcasing wide roads, organised parking bays, glass-clad towers, and sunset views from its urban boulevards. For many residents and planners, this was a moment of civic pride, reflecting years of infrastructure investment and Hyderabad’s positioning as a magnet for global businesses. Several users online described it as a validation of the city’s progress and proof that India’s metros can match international standards.
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But as the debate gathered momentum, critics were quick to underline the contrast between the polished neighbourhoods displayed in the video and the city’s underlying challenges. Commentators pointed to frequent waterlogging, broken drainage networks, traffic bottlenecks, and inadequate public transport in older neighbourhoods. Urban experts note that while zones like HITEC City have received world-class upgrades, equitable infrastructure planning has not reached every corner of the city.
Officials emphasise that efforts are underway to address these gaps through sustainable mobility plans, metro rail expansion, and stormwater management upgrades. They acknowledge, however, that rapid migration, unplanned urban growth, and rising private vehicle dependence have stretched civic services. For Hyderabad to be genuinely “world-class,” planners argue, investment must go beyond business corridors and extend to liveability improvements in residential belts, heritage precincts, and informal settlements.
The episode has reignited larger questions about how Indian cities are portrayed on global platforms. Analysts warn that an excessive focus on glittering enclaves can obscure structural issues of equity, sustainability, and climate resilience. A balanced narrative, they argue, must highlight both the achievements and the urgent reforms required to make cities not just visually impressive but socially inclusive and environmentally secure. Hyderabad’s viral moment has therefore become more than just a social media trend. It has forced both residents and administrators to reflect on the meaning of urban success—whether it lies in iconic skylines alone or in building resilient, equitable, and sustainable spaces for all who call the city home.
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Hyderabad infrastructure video sparks debate on true urban development
