Major Traffic Jam on Hyderabad-Vijayawada Highway Amid Sankranthi Rush
The Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway witnessed severe traffic congestion on Saturday morning, as thousands of commuters embarked on their journey to their hometowns to celebrate Sankranthi. This annual exodus has brought the key stretch of the highway to a standstill, particularly affecting vehicles travelling from Abdullapurmet towards Kothagudem. The overwhelming flow of traffic has caused significant delays, turning what should have been a smooth journey into a frustrating experience for many travellers.
One of the major bottlenecks in the traffic gridlock was the Pantangi Toll Plaza, located in Choutuppal. With the surge in vehicles heading towards Andhra Pradesh, authorities have opened up additional toll booths to expedite the process. Ten toll booths were made available for vehicles travelling towards Andhra Pradesh, while six gates were opened for those headed towards Hyderabad. Despite these measures, the volume of traffic has caused prolonged delays and further congestion on the highway.
Another point of contention is the ongoing construction work at the Choutuppal junction, where an underpass is being built to improve long-term traffic flow. While this project holds promise for future alleviation of traffic bottlenecks, the current situation has worsened due to the construction, with vehicles now backing up in long queues. The ongoing works have left commuters frustrated, with little option but to wait patiently in the rising heat, as the traffic jam stretches on.
The situation is expected to worsen as the weekend progresses, with Sunday likely to see an even greater influx of vehicles. The increased volume of passengers during Sankranthi—one of the most important festivals in the region—has resulted in this severe traffic jam, compounded by the narrow nature of the highway and the ongoing construction work. Authorities have advised motorists to consider alternative routes, as waiting in traffic continues to cause major delays.
This traffic congestion not only highlights the challenges of managing road infrastructure during peak travel periods but also draws attention to the broader issue of urban planning and road development. As cities like Hyderabad continue to expand, the need for improved road networks and better traffic management solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The rising number of vehicles on the road, especially during festive seasons, underscores the importance of timely infrastructure projects that can support such massive travel demands.
From a sustainability perspective, the prolonged congestion also adds to the environmental concerns associated with increased vehicle idling. Higher emissions from vehicles stuck in traffic contribute to air pollution, making it essential for authorities to adopt measures that can mitigate such congestion and ensure smoother travel, particularly during high-demand periods like Sankranthi. In the long run, investing in better traffic flow management and road infrastructure would not only enhance travel efficiency but also reduce the carbon footprint of the city.
