Hyderabad Citizens Demand 'Free Left' Signboards for Safety

Hyderabad: Hyderabad citizens are voicing concerns over the lack of proper signboards at the crucial Wipro Junction signal, which has been causing traffic jams, violations, and safety hazards. Commuters and traffic volunteers have called for immediate action to improve signage and streamline traffic flow at this busy intersection.

The issue was highlighted on social media by Koushik (@sai_koushika), a traffic volunteer, who posted: “@CYBTRAFFIC please arrange for a ‘Free Left’ sign at Wipro Junction Signal. @psgachbwli_cyb.”

Speaking with Hyderabad Mail, Koushik explained, “While volunteering at Wipro Junction in the Financial District, I noticed that several commuters were driving off-track at the signal. I observed that some signboards were damaged, and to raise awareness, I took photos and shared them with Cyberabad Traffic Police via X (formerly Twitter), urging them to fix the signs, especially the ‘Free Left’ indicator.”

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Sri Harsha Tulasi, the admin of Team Road Squad (@Team_Road_Squad), added, “The concept of ‘Free Left’ gained popularity during the Operation Rope initiative when AV Ranganath was Traffic Commissioner. While ‘Free Left’ allows vehicles to turn left without stopping at a red light, it still requires vehicles to yield to traffic from the right and to pedestrians.”

He continued, “Unfortunately, this is often not followed at intersections like Wipro, KBR Park, and Jubilee Hills Checkpost, where continuous traffic flow makes it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. While the ‘Free Left’ idea is good, it only works when commuters respect traffic rules and yield to pedestrians. Recently, with the support of Hyderabad Traffic Man, Addl. CP Traffic Vishwa Prasad IPS, a ‘No Free Left’ sign was installed at Jubilee Hills Checkpost, but even then, vehicles fail to stop.”

@CYBTRAFFIC please arrange for Sign Board FREE LEFT at Wipro Junction Signal.@psgachbwli_cyb pic.twitter.com/6xN1TqfxIH

— Koushik (@sai_koushika) November 12, 2024

Another citizen, Lokendra Singh (@HYDTrafficMan), highlighted that simply installing a ‘Free Left’ sign may not be enough. “The ‘Free Left’ turn will only be effective if there are clear arrow markings on the road. When approaching the Wipro signal from the Q City side, commuters cannot see the left turn ahead due to a blind curve. This lack of visibility can cause confusion and lead to traffic violations. Instead of creating separate lanes or installing bollards, I suggest adding clear arrow markings at least 500 meters before the junction. This will allow drivers to make informed decisions early and reduce last-minute confusion.”

Sai Teja, a social activist (@ActivistTeja), also raised concerns about the lack of proper signage across the city. “Due to the absence of proper signage, there is a lot of ambiguity and stagnation in traffic, which causes unnecessary delays. I believe that if traffic police, road engineers, and municipal officials collaborate and address these issues, it would significantly improve the travel experience for commuters. We urge the authorities to take action in the best interest of the public.”