Rotary Club of Greater Hyderabad demands restoration of traffic signals and safer U-turns
Hyderabad: Members of the Rotary Club of Greater Hyderabad have raised serious concerns over worsening traffic conditions in the city, urging the police commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda to take immediate corrective action.
In a letter addressed to the authorities, the club pointed to the removal of synchronized traffic signals and the introduction of unscientific U-turns as major contributors to traffic congestion, road safety risks, and environmental harm.
The letter, submitted by M. Vijaya Bhaskar, Director of Community Services and Zonal Chairman of Environment, Rotary International District, stated that despite repeated appeals and prior communication, no significant action had been taken to address these pressing issues.
According to the club, the recent introduction of narrow, hairpin U-turns has disrupted traffic flow, violated lane discipline, and led to multiple fatal accidents, particularly involving two-wheeler riders. These U-turns are forcing commuters to take detours of up to five kilometers, leading to wasted fuel, increased travel time, and higher air pollution levels.
The letter expressed disappointment that while cities like Delhi and Bengaluru have corrected similar planning mistakes, Hyderabad continues to follow practices that endanger public safety. The authorities, the club said, often cite resource constraints or shift responsibility instead of addressing the problems directly.
The Rotary Club has called for the reinstatement of synchronized traffic signals with visible timers, especially at junctions where signals were removed during Metro Rail construction. It urged the removal of unscientific U-turns and suggested replacing them with properly designed intersections or signal-controlled turns.
The club also pointed out the lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure and called for the installation and maintenance of crossings and foot-over-bridges with lifts. It highlighted that busy intersections need active traffic supervision, rather than relying solely on cop-less automated signals.
The letter further highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to promote responsible driving behavior, in addition to strict enforcement of traffic rules. The club asked the traffic police to conduct regular checks for valid driving licenses, pollution control certificates, and to crack down on drunk driving.
Addressing broader issues of urban planning and coordination, the club urged the police to work closely with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to repaint faded zebra crossings and lane markings, clearly demarcate legal parking zones, and take action against commercial establishments and malls operating without adequate parking facilities.
The letter expressed particular concern about designated parking areas being barricaded or rendered inaccessible, which, it said, was further adding to the parking crisis in the city. The club questioned who is responsible for managing parking infrastructure and ensuring that establishments comply with parking regulations.
Unless the authorities act swiftly to resolve these issues, the club warned, it may be forced to explore alternative routes, including legal action and a press conference, to draw public attention to what it described as preventable hazards.
The Rotary Club concluded its appeal by urging the police to act in the interest of public safety and implement visible improvements on the ground.
