Hyderabad: Dark, damaged Barkas–Shaheennagar stretch troubles airport-bound motorists and locals

A dark, potholed 4-km stretch between Barkas and Pahadishareef, crucial for airport-bound traffic, has become a danger zone due to non-functional streetlights and poor road conditions. Locals urge authorities to expedite long-pending upgrades and prevent daily accidents.

Hyderabad: The Barkas–Shaheennagar road, a key route to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad, has become a nightmare for motorists and locals, especially after sunset, due to non-functional street lights and pothole-ridden stretches.

Street lights along the crucial 4-km stretch from Barkas to Pahadishareef have not worked for several weeks, leaving commuters to navigate dangerous road conditions in the dark. The absence of functioning traffic signals further raises the risk of accidents.

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While alternate routes like the Shamshabad Road and Meerpet–RCI Road have seen rapid development, this stretch remains neglected. “Airport-bound traffic faces constant issues on this road,” said Kareem Ansari, a resident of Sadatnagar.

Despite the State government’s plan to develop this route to international standards, locals say that apart from partial road widening, no significant improvements have been made.

“The road looks more like a remote highway than an urban arterial stretch,” said Abdul Rawoof, a social worker from Shaheennagar.

The recent rains have worsened the situation. “Potholes have turned into stone beds, making two-wheelers prone to skidding,” said Junaid, a businessman from Jalpally. “The authorities aren’t even taking up basic repairs,” he added.

Mohd Asif Iqbal, a Pahadishareef resident, said the absence of lighting has made the road extremely dangerous during night and rain. “Accidents are a daily occurrence here,” he noted.

Residents are urging the municipal authorities and other concerned departments to prioritise repairs, restore lighting, and improve safety measures on the stretch to ease the commute and prevent further accidents..