Hyderabad Traffic Police announce Secunderabad Bonalu diversions

Bonalu in Secunderabad: Traffic plan unveiled

Hyderabad Traffic Police have announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for the upcoming Secunderabad Bonalu celebrations. The festival, marked by fervent devotion and large processions, is set to draw thousands of devotees to the city's temples. Officials have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays.

The diversions will be in effect from the early hours of the festival days. Specific routes leading to major temples like Ujjaini Mahankali will see restricted movement. Police have set up designated parking zones and alternative corridors to manage the expected rush.

Key routes and restrictions

Vehicles coming from the Parade Ground side will be diverted at key junctions. Similarly, traffic from the James Street and Regimental Bazaar areas will face one-way diversions. Heavy vehicles, including lorries and tankers, are likely to be barred from entering the core city area during peak hours.

Two-wheelers and cars will be allowed up to certain checkpoints. Beyond these points, only pedestrians and authorised vehicles will proceed. The police have also identified specific roads for emergency services and VIP movement, ensuring uninterrupted access for ambulances and fire tenders.

Parking arrangements for devotees

Several open grounds and school premises have been earmarked as temporary parking lots. These include spaces near the Secunderabad railway station and the Parade Ground. Commuters are advised to use these lots and walk to the temple premises, as road-side parking will be strictly prohibited.

To ease congestion, the police have encouraged the use of public transport. Additional buses and metro services are expected to run at higher frequencies during the festival. Devotees are also being urged to carpool where possible.

Advisory for commuters

Commuters not attending the celebrations should avoid the affected areas between 4 pm and 11 pm. Office-goers and daily travellers are advised to start their journeys earlier than usual. Real-time traffic updates will be available on the Hyderabad Traffic Police social media handles and mobile app.

The police have also set up a dedicated helpline for traffic-related queries during the festival days. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact dates when the full plan will be enforced, but they have indicated that it will cover both the main festival day and the days leading up to it.

Last year, similar diversions were put in place, and the police received mixed feedback from locals. Some residents appreciated the orderly management, while others complained about long detours. This year, the force says it has refined the plan based on past experience.

What to watch

Authorities are expected to release a detailed map of the diversions in the coming days. The final notification will include specific timings and a list of roads to be closed. Commuters are advised to stay updated through official channels and follow on-ground signage.

The festival is a major cultural event for the city, and the police's primary goal is to ensure safety without disrupting daily life. As the celebrations approach, the focus will be on smooth coordination between traffic police, local volunteers, and the temple administration.