SNDP excavation chokes L.B. Nagar corridor for months

For months, residents and commuters in Hyderabad's L.B. Nagar have been navigating a corridor that resembles a war zone. A prolonged excavation by the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP) has choked one of the area's busiest stretches, turning routine travel into a daily ordeal.

The digging, part of a larger stormwater drain project, has left large stretches of road open, with mounds of earth and debris lining the edges. What was once a smooth drive is now a bumpy, dusty crawl, especially during peak hours.

Commuters bear the brunt

Local residents say the situation has worsened over the past few weeks. Auto-rickshaw drivers, office-goers, and school vans all find themselves stuck in serpentine queues, often losing 30 to 45 minutes on a route that earlier took ten.

"It's like driving through a maze," said a daily commuter who travels from L.B. Nagar to Uppal. "There are no proper diversions, no clear signage. At night, the open trenches are a serious hazard."

Pedestrians, too, are struggling. Footpaths have been dug up in several sections, forcing people to walk on the road amid moving traffic. Elderly residents and schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable, with no safe passage in sight.

Dust and safety concerns

The excavation has also triggered environmental concerns. Clouds of dust rise with every passing vehicle, reducing visibility and aggravating respiratory issues for those living nearby. Shopkeepers along the corridor report a sharp drop in business, as customers avoid the area altogether.

Safety is another worry. Several open pits remain unfenced, and at least a few instances of two-wheeler riders skidding or falling have been reported on local community forums. Residents have repeatedly asked authorities to install barricades and warning lights, but progress has been slow.

The SNDP, aimed at improving stormwater drainage across the city, is a crucial infrastructure initiative. But the prolonged timeline for this particular stretch has tested the patience of the public, who question why the work could not be completed in a more time-bound manner.

Awaiting official word

Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have not yet announced a revised completion date for this segment. Earlier estimates suggested the work would wrap up within a few weeks, but those deadlines have come and gone without visible progress.

When contacted, a GHMC official said the project involves deep excavation and utility relocations, which take time. "We understand the inconvenience," the official said, requesting anonymity. "But the work is complex."

Residents, however, are not convinced. They have demanded a clear timeline, better traffic management, and round-the-clock barricading. Some have also suggested that the work be carried out in smaller stretches to reduce the impact on traffic.

The L.B. Nagar corridor serves as a vital link between the eastern and central parts of Hyderabad, feeding into major arterial roads. The disruption has ripple effects, slowing down bus services and emergency vehicles as well.

What to watch

With the monsoon season approaching, the open drains could pose a fresh set of challenges. Waterlogging and slippery surfaces may add to the misery if the excavation continues into the rainy months. All eyes are now on GHMC to see if it can accelerate the pace and restore normalcy to this key corridor.