Confusion reigns on first day as one-way movement around KBR Park snarls traffic

Chaos, confusion and frustration were the order of the day as Hyderabad Traffic Police implemented a one-way traffic movement around KBR Park, effectively turning the area into a giant traffic rotary. Pedestrians, bus commuters and motorists were among those affected, with many forced to take long detours. Ambulance movement was also impacted, with a number of major private hospitals located in the vicinity.

Located between the eastern and western halves of Hyderabad, KBR Park is a key transit point connecting the office hubs in the western part of the city with the largely residential neighbourhoods in the north and east.

The one-way arrangement was introduced as a traffic-management measure necessitated by the ongoing H-CITI construction works and the resulting limitation of the carriageway for maintaining smoother traffic movement around KBR Park.

More than 200 police personnel, ranging from beat constables and home guards to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, were deployed across the area to guide motorists and manage the traffic. Multiple signboards were put up to indicate the routes to be taken. Traffic police, however, described the initial chaos as teething trouble. “People are stopping to argue or question why they have to take the long route. That is adding to the traffic movement,” said a traffic police official stationed near the Jubilee Hills Checkpost.

The diversion additionally drew criticism on social media. “Dear @HYDTP, the traffic diversion at KBR Park seems to be a mess as people are clueless concerning how to reach their destinations. Please issue orders to all offices that they should provide a one-hour grace period to employees to reach the office,” an irate commuter posted.

Another commuter said he was stuck for almost half an hour near Road No. 5 Jubilee Hills Metro Station as traffic came to a standstill. The wait was far longer than the usual few minutes at the Jubilee Hills Checkpost.

Traffic in Yousufguda, Srinagar Colony and Madhura Nagar was also affected during the morning. Motorists who previously turned right at the Checkpost signal were forced to take a five-km detour to reach almost the same point on the other side of the road.