Hyderabad: Heavy traffic snarls on Hyderabad slowed vehicle movement on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada National Highway due to the Christmas holidays and weekend rush.
After Christmas, offices, colleges and schools reopened across the state. Consequently, lakhs of commuters experienced snarls as they traveled towards Hyderabad at the same time.
Traffic congestion intensified near Pantangi, Choutuppal and Korlapadu toll plazas. Vehicles faced traffic snarls, forming long queues stretching for several kilometers.
On National Highway 65, motorists faced bumper-to-bumper traffic snarls on Hyderabad roads. The stretch from the Outer Ring Road to Abdullapurmet, Hayathnagar and Choutuppal saw severe congestion.
Hyderabad Vijayawada highway traffic worsens due to road works
Six-lane road expansion work added to the delays. Authorities reduced road capacity due to bridge and underpass construction at Choutuppal, Chityala, Narketpally and Pantangi, exacerbating traffic snarls on Hyderabad routes.
Officials warned that congestion could continue until the road works end. Traffic police, therefore, diverted vehicles through alternate routes to ease pressure from snarls.
Local residents said ambulances struggled to move through traffic snarls at several locations. They feared delays during medical emergencies.
The Rachakonda Traffic Police advised highway users to take alternate routes wherever possible to avoid snarls. They also urged commuters to check online traffic updates regularly.
Police officials said the heavy traffic snarls on Hyderabad roads may continue for another two days.