Hyderabad traffic slows to 21 kmph in 2024; mobility plan targets 42 kmph by 2050
HYDERABAD: The city’s average traffic speed has dropped to 21 km per hour in 2024, down from 30 km per hour a decade ago, with congestion now extending to areas once considered outskirts, including Kokapet, Narsingi and Gandipet.
A study by Lee & Associates confirmed the decline, reflecting growing pressure on road infrastructure amid rising vehicle numbers. Residents have flagged worsening commute conditions, citing longer travel times and frequent bottlenecks.
Tech professional B. Manohar and cyclist Ravi Sambari expressed concern over daily travel delays, highlighting the impact on productivity and road safety.
Comprehensive mobility plan to guide future transport network
The Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (HUMTA), under the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), is preparing a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) covering 2,053 sq km across Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cantonment areas and surrounding municipalities.
According to projections in the CMP, average speeds could improve to 28 km per hour by 2050 under current trends. The plan estimates speeds could rise further to 42 km per hour if the state government implements a sustainable urban transport model with a strong focus on public transport systems.
Officials said infrastructure upgrades and public transport expansion remain critical to improving mobility outcomes.
Warning of further slowdown without infrastructure upgrades
Authorities cautioned that failure to prioritise infrastructure and public transport could worsen congestion. “The infrastructure upgrade and push to public transport has a direct impact on average speed of vehicles. If infrastructure is not upgraded and public transport takes a back seat, the average speed will be around 15 km per hour by 2050,” an HMDA official said.
Vehicle composition data for 2024 shows two-wheelers account for 67.56% of total vehicles, followed by cars at 16.15%. Goods vehicles make up 3.37%, while autos (1.51%), cabs (1.16%) and others (2.36%) form smaller shares.
Infrastructure pipeline includes roads, bridges and bus corridors
The CMP outlines major infrastructure proposals through 2050, including 75 grade separators, 120 foot overbridges and skywalks, and 34 railway overbridges along with 16 underpasses.
Plans also include eight elevated roads and 29 bridges across the Musi river. Dedicated bus lane corridors are projected to span 29 km by 2040, expanding to 48 km by 2050.
