Hyderabad rains cause massive traffic jams for second day
- Heavy rainfall led to major traffic snarls across Hyderabad for the second day running.
- Several roads and junctions were waterlogged, slowing vehicle movement to a crawl.
- Commuters faced long delays, with many taking hours to reach their destinations.
Hyderabad has been grappling with severe traffic congestion for the second consecutive day as relentless heavy rain lashed the city. Major roads and intersections turned into parking lots, with vehicles barely moving during peak hours.
Waterlogging worsens the gridlock
Several low-lying areas reported significant waterlogging, adding to the chaos. Key stretches such as Begumpet, Ameerpet, and Madhapur saw vehicles crawling at a snail's pace. The standing water also forced many two-wheeler riders to take treacherous detours.
The civic body's drainage systems appeared overwhelmed, with rainwater spilling onto roads from clogged gutters. Commuters reported that even interior roads were not spared, turning the entire city into a traffic nightmare.
Commuters bear the brunt
For office-goers and daily travellers, the second day of rain-induced snarls meant hours of lost time. Many took to social media to vent their frustration, sharing photos and videos of bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching for kilometres.
"It took me over three hours to cover a distance that usually takes 45 minutes," said a resident stuck near Jubilee Hills. Auto-rickshaw drivers and cab operators also struggled, with many refusing to ply certain routes due to the waterlogging.
School buses and college vans were delayed, leaving parents anxious. The city's public transport system, including buses and the metro, saw higher than usual footfall as people abandoned private vehicles to avoid the gridlock.
Authorities respond but relief remains elusive
The Hyderabad Traffic Police deployed additional personnel at key junctions to manage the flow and assist stranded motorists. However, the sheer volume of water on roads made their task difficult. Officials advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel and use alternate routes where possible.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said it was deploying pumps to clear water from critical points. Emergency response teams were kept on standby, but the continuous rain hampered their efforts.
Weather officials have warned that more rain is expected over the next 24 hours, which could further complicate the situation. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious.
The city's infrastructure, already under strain during monsoons, has once again come under scrutiny. The repeated flooding of arterial roads has raised questions about the effectiveness of urban drainage planning.
As Hyderabad endures a second day of rain-induced chaos, the immediate outlook remains grim. Commuters can only hope for a break in the weather and a swift restoration of normalcy. The civic authorities face mounting pressure to find long-term solutions to the city's chronic waterlogging problem.