Hyderabad commuters struggle amid heavy rains and road damage

Heavy rains in Hyderabad have worsened road conditions, with potholes, craters, and missing manholes causing traffic jams and hazards for pedestrians. GHMC has temporarily halted its safety drive, while HMWSSB clears waterlogged areas and overflowing sewage

Hyderabad: Amid ongoing heavy rains, city commuters are facing significant difficulties due to widespread road damage, ranging from potholes and craters to missing sewer manholes.

Given the incessant rains, the GHMC appears to have temporarily halted its ongoing safety drive. In most parts of the city, both main and internal roads are riddled with potholes, with water logging a common sight. From the bustling IT corridors to central business districts, motorists are struggling with miserable road conditions.

With the road safety drive apparently on pause, the extensive road damages have also increased the risks of accidents. Pedestrians are wary of stepping into water puddles on the sidewalks. For many commuters, even routine trips to work, shops, or other errands have become frustratingly tough.

When contacted, GHMC engineering and maintenance wing officials cited adverse weather conditions as the primary reason for suspending the safety drive. “We assure the commuters that the road safety drive will recommence once the rains subside,” an official said.

Sewage water overflowing has added to commuters’ woes across the city. The HMWSSB emergency response teams (ERTs) have been clearing waterlogging and choked manholes. Since the heavy rains began, sewage water overflow has continued, with several stretches having poorly covered manholes.

After nearly two weeks, GHMC’s stormwater drain works at Ameerpet, opposite Maitrivanam, continued. Almost a ton of garbage was removed from the stormwater drains and placed on the main road, leading to traffic jams as most of the road space remains occupied.