Residents of Mehdipatnam–Tolichowki–Shaikpet Face Severe Traffic Woes
The residents of Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, and Shaikpet are growing increasingly frustrated due to persistent traffic jams in their neighborhoods. The heavy congestion on the main roads has become unbearable, forcing commuters to divert through the inner lanes of residential colonies. However, this is only making the situation worse, as these lanes also end up completely clogged with vehicles.
One of the busiest stretches in the city, the Mehdipatnam–Tolichowki–Shaikpet road, is about three kilometers long and has become a hotspot for daily traffic snarls. Every day, between 80,000 and 1 lakh vehicles pass through this stretch, which connects to the IT corridor. This high volume of traffic results in bumper-to-bumper movement and frequent gridlocks, creating chaos for commuters.
Adding to the problem is the slow pace of ongoing construction work on the stretch. The congestion on both sides of the road has made it difficult for motorists to travel through the area without significant delays. The situation has become increasingly frustrating for commuters who rely on this route.
Impact on Local Colonies
Residents of colonies near the main road, such as Ayodhya Nagar, PT Colony, Kakatiya Nagar, Khader Bagh, Salar Jung, Vinoba Nagar, and Seven Tombs Road, are among the worst affected. In Shaikpet, colonies like Surya Nagar and Aziz Bagh are also struggling. Mohammed Asif Hussain Sohail, a resident of Surya Nagar Colony, explained that commuters trying to avoid traffic on the main road are flooding the inner lanes of these colonies, causing additional gridlock.
Asif Hussain also highlighted that the heavy flow of vehicles through these residential areas is damaging parked vehicles, particularly cars. The traffic has led to increased levels of noise and air pollution, which are severely affecting the quality of life for residents. Elderly individuals and children, especially those visiting colony parks, are finding it difficult to cope with the situation.
Ongoing Construction Causing Disruption
Another resident, Mohammed Nayeemuddin from Samatha Colony, noted that construction work is underway on almost every street in these areas, further compounding the traffic issues. Major works on the Mehdipatnam main road and the inner lanes have led to severe jams, forcing commuters to use alternative routes that are also under construction. Nayeemuddin suggested that officials adopt a phased approach to these civic projects to reduce the impact on traffic.
The ongoing construction includes several initiatives such as the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP), laying of sewerage pipelines and box drains, and the construction of new roads. These projects are taking place across various locations, including Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Seven Tombs Road, Hakeempet, and Shaikpet. However, many of these works have been dragging on for several months, adding to the residents’ frustration.
The residents are urging authorities to address the traffic situation urgently and plan construction activities in a way that minimizes disruption to daily life.
