Hayathnagar protest halts Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway traffic
HYDERABAD: Traffic on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada national highway came to a standstill on Saturday after residents of Hayathnagar staged a sit-in, alleging official apathy despite frequent road accidents in the area.
Demand for foot overbridge ignored, say residents
Locals from colonies on both sides of the highway blocked the carriageway, demanding the construction of a foot overbridge near Hayathnagar. They said the demand had been pending for months, but the government had failed to respond.
Heavy vehicles stranded as police intervene
The protest led to long queues of vehicles, including heavy trucks, on both sides of the highway. Police reached the spot and attempted to persuade the protesters to clear the road. Residents said they would continue the agitation until the government gave a written assurance on the foot overbridge.
The protest followed the recent death of Aishwarya, a medical student, who was run over while crossing the highway. Her father sustained injuries in the same incident and is undergoing treatment in hospital. After police assured action and counselled the protesters, the agitation was called off.
Residents urged authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further accidents on the stretch.
