Hyderabad: Commuters stranded as PVNR Expressway closed to facilitate VVIP movement

Commuters heading to the RGI Airport had a harrowing experience due to the unannounced closure

Hyderabad: Commuters using the PVNR Expressway connecting the Hyderabad to RGI Airport Shamshabad had a harrowing experience on Sunday after the traffic police closed down the flyover to common public to facilitate VVIP movement.

The 12 km expressway was constructed to facilitate the travel of RGI Airport bound traffic from the city. On Sunday evening, the traffic police had closed down the expressway from both the ends Aramgarh and Mehdipatnam apart from its ramps at different points.

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“The traffic police asked the motorists to take the road below the expressway to reach their destinations. The traffic was so chaotic that it took an hour to reach Mehdipatnam from Aramgarh as against 20 minutes if we use the expressway,” said Vamshi Reddy, software professional.

“The traffic police cannot be so harsh. Whatever be the security protocols, it is unfair to close an important flyover of the city to facilitate the VIP’s or VVIP’s movement,” complained Sandeep Kumar, a medical professional.

The people heading to the RGI Airport faced more trauma due to the unannounced closure. “The traffic police should publicly announce about the traffic restrictions or diversion on such important connecting roads. To facilitate someone reach without a hassle, the police cannot impose hardship on common man. What if someone misses his/ her flight,” lamented a law student.

The local traffic police expressed their helplessness. “Orders come from higher ups and we just follow it. Any decision is to be taken at the top level,” said an official of traffic police.

Sources said during the movement of VVIPs or VIPs, the traffic police close the bridge for common public.