Motorists travelling through Hyderabad’s Old City on Friday are likely to experience significant traffic diversions as authorities implement a comprehensive traffic management plan for the annual Bibi-ka-Alam procession. The restrictions are intended to ensure public safety while maintaining traffic flow across one of the city’s busiest heritage precincts during the religious event.
Traffic regulations will remain in force from noon until 10 pm, with diversions introduced in phases as the procession moves through different parts of the city. Officials have advised commuters to plan journeys in advance and use alternate routes to avoid congestion in the affected areas. The procession will pass through several high-density locations, including Charminar, Purani Haveli, Gulzar Houz, Madina, Salar Jung Road, Chaderghat and Nayapul. As movement progresses, traffic will be redirected at multiple junctions to minimise conflicts between pedestrians, procession participants and regular vehicular movement. Vehicles heading towards Bibi-ka-Alawa, Shaik Faiz Kaman, Bada Bazar, Etebar Chowk, Miralam Mandi and nearby localities will be diverted through alternative corridors. Authorities said diversions would be activated and withdrawn dynamically depending on the procession’s location to reduce unnecessary disruption.
Public transport services will also operate under temporary changes. District buses operated by the state road transport corporation will enter and exit the city through Rang Mahal and Afzalgunj during the day. Bus movement along Kalikhabar Road and Miralam Mandi Road will remain restricted until the procession clears those stretches. Urban mobility experts note that managing large religious gatherings in historic city centres requires careful coordination because narrow roads, mixed land use and high pedestrian volumes create operational challenges. Temporary traffic plans help maintain emergency access while allowing traditional public events to proceed safely. For residents and businesses in the Old City, advance travel planning will be essential throughout the day. Authorities have encouraged commuters to monitor traffic advisories and choose alternative routes wherever possible to reduce delays.
As Hyderabad continues to host large cultural and religious events throughout the year, effective traffic management, real-time communication and improved public transport coordination remain critical for balancing civic mobility with the preservation of the city’s rich cultural traditions.
