Secunderabad is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its urban mobility landscape with the expedited progress of the much-anticipated elevated corridor on National Highway 44 (NH-44).
This critical infrastructure development, stretching between Paradise Junction and Dairy Farm Road towards Suchitra Junction, is poised to dramatically alleviate the notorious traffic congestion plaguing one of Hyderabad’s most vital arterial routes. Beyond the immediate relief to commuters, this project subtly yet significantly contributes to the city’s broader vision of fostering zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and more equitable urban environments by optimising vehicular flow and potentially reducing emissions from idling traffic. The foundation stone for this ambitious undertaking, an integral component of the Strategic Road Development Programme (SRDP), was laid in 2024. Recent developments indicate a rapid acceleration, with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) having successfully finalised the tenders. Construction is now slated to commence by mid-June 2025, marking a crucial step forward for the Rs 652 crore project, which is anticipated to reach completion within a robust 36-month timeline.
This rapid progression underscores the civic administration’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure to support a burgeoning population and its economic activities. Crucial to the project’s advancement is the ongoing process of land acquisition and the securing of necessary defence clearances. According to HMDA Chief Engineer B Ravinder, the transfer of Defence land, essential for the corridor’s alignment, is in advanced stages. Concurrently, land acquisition from civilian and other government agencies within the Secunderabad Cantonment area is also progressing swiftly. While the Ministry of Defence granted approval for two elevated corridors—NH-44 and State Highway 01—in Secunderabad Cantonment in March 2024, the HMDA must still obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from Civil Aviation. This particular clearance is vital due to the project’s proximity to Begumpet Airport, necessitating strict adherence to aviation safety norms, including the provision of ‘view cutters’ to prevent visual distractions for pilots. The design of the elevated corridor is tailored to maximise traffic efficiency and minimise environmental impact. It will feature a six-lane width, extending for a total length of 5.40 kilometres, with 3.05 kilometres on an elevated structure.
Thoughtfully integrated entry and exit ramps are planned to ensure seamless traffic flow and prevent new bottlenecks. Complementing the elevated stretch, a 600-meter-long underpass will be constructed near Anna Nagar Junction, close to the Begumpet Airport stretch, meticulously adhering to guidelines stipulated by the Defence Ministry. The corridor’s generous width of 60 metres, equally divided with 30 metres on each side from the centerline, is designed to accommodate future traffic growth sustainably. However, the project’s footprint will necessitate the acquisition of approximately 251 private structures along NH-44, as outlined in a Secunderabad Cantonment Board resolution passed in August 2024. This aspect highlights the human dimension of urban development, where progress often involves the relocation of communities, necessitating fair and equitable resettlement policies. The impact on daily commutes is projected to be transformative. Currently, over two lakh vehicles traverse the stretch between Paradise Circle and Dairy Farm Road via Bowenpally X Roads daily, leading to significant congestion, particularly at Tadbun Junction and Bowenpally X Roads.
The elevated corridor and underpass are expected to drastically alleviate these traffic snarls, delivering substantial time savings for commuters. A senior traffic official at Bowenpally X Roads anticipates the current 45 to 60-minute journey between Paradise Circle and Dairy Farm to be reduced to approximately 30 minutes post-completion. This reduction in travel time not only enhances commuter convenience but also contributes to reduced fuel consumption and lower vehicular emissions, aligning directly with the objective of creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment. The project thus serves as a tangible step towards a future where Hyderabad’s infrastructure supports both economic vitality and environmental well-being, fostering a more pleasant and productive urban experience for all its residents.
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