Hyderabad: Pothole-ridden road leaves Nallakunta-Vidyanagar market deserted

A dug-up stretch of road near the Nallakunta-Vidyanagar Vegetable Market has been causing problems for residents, commuters and vendors for over two months. Water-filled potholes and debris have made travel difficult, while vendors say the poor road condition has affected business.

Hyderabad: Once, it used to bustle with activity, with people from Nallakunta, Vidyanagar, Adikmet, Shivam, Osmania University and DD Colony flocking to buy vegetables, fruits, groceries and meat. But now, the Nallakunta-Vidyanagar Vegetable Market wears a desolate look, courtesy of the pathetic condition of the road.

This stretch of over 300 metres was dug up more than two months ago, leaving the surface uneven and riddled with potholes. For commuters, particularly elderly persons, travelling on this road is a risky affair as it might lead to back pain. Making matters worse for residents, shop owners and street vendors, debris from the dug-up road has been dumped along the stretch.

Established in 1973, the market has become a local hub for people living not just in Nallakunta and Vidyanagar, but also Adikmet, Osmania University and Shivam Road. The market road was already in poor condition even before the work began. It was uneven and difficult to navigate even on a two-wheeler.

“We thought that since they were digging up the entire road, it would finally be re-laid properly. Initially, the entire road was closed for vehicle movement. The sewerage line work is over but there is no sign of road works. It is taking about five to seven minutes to cross this stretch even on a two-wheeler due to the road condition,” said a resident of Karthik Residency in Nallakunta.

The problem worsened during the recent rains. The road, which had been uneven, turned slippery and made commuting difficult. “There are several instances of cab and auto drivers refusing to pick up or drop due to the road condition and water-filled potholes. Once, we were forced to get down at a distance and walk to reach our home,” said Mahesh, a resident of Nallakunta Street 14.

Vegetable and fruit vendors, and shop owners lamented that the road condition had been affecting their business. Some fruit vendors have shifted their push carts onto Vidyanagar Main Road as the market is no longer seeing the same flow of customers as before. “Customers are not coming like they used to in the past and sales have dropped considerably,” said Irfan, a fruit vendor.