Hyderabad traffic restrictions will remain in force through September 26 as Ganesh idol immersions continue at Hussainsagar, with long queues of trucks carrying idols slowing movement along Tank Bund and several major city routes.
A large number of idols were still awaiting immersion on Saturday morning, while trucks lined up along the Tank Bund stretch. The movement of immersion processions had remained heavy through Friday night, resulting in congestion in several parts of Hyderabad.
Major gridlock was reported at Mozamjahi Market, Shalibanda, Afzalgunj, Lakdikapul and Himayatnagar, as well as on routes leading towards Tank Bund. The movement of trucks, large crowds of devotees and private vehicles contributed to slower traffic and delays in reaching the immersion points.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said in a video message posted on X on Saturday morning that restrictions would continue during the day because the immersion processions were still under way. He appealed to motorists to avoid the affected routes unless travel was necessary because of an emergency.
The restricted and heavily monitored corridors include Tank Bund, Necklace Road, NTR Marg, PV Statue and areas around Indira Gandhi Rotary, according to the Commissioner. These routes are being used by processions travelling towards the Hussainsagar immersion points.
The police also advised commuters to postpone their journeys where possible or use alternative routes. Residents were urged to avoid travelling on congested roads unnecessarily while the processions continued and large numbers of families and devotees moved towards the lake.
Traffic conditions were further affected by the concentration of trucks carrying idols near the immersion areas. With vehicles arriving alongside processions and crowds, movement through the Tank Bund area remained slow and the queue of trucks extended along the approach roads.
The continuing restrictions mean that commuters travelling between central Hyderabad and areas around Hussainsagar may face delays during the day. Motorists using routes connected to Tank Bund, Necklace Road and NTR Marg were specifically advised to plan their journeys around the restrictions and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel.
The police advisory will remain operational through the day as immersion activity continues. Further movement on the affected corridors will depend on the progress of the processions and the clearing of trucks and vehicles from the immersion routes.
