HYDERABAD: Hyderabad witnessed heavy outbound traffic on Saturday as thousands of residents began travelling to their native places ahead of the Sankranti festival. With schools declaring holidays, severe congestion jammed the Hyderabad–Vijayawada National Highway from Friday night, particularly on stretches leading towards Andhra Pradesh. Commuters said it took two to three hours to cross Choutuppal.
Traffic snarls were most pronounced near the Panthangi toll plaza. Of the 16 toll lanes, 11 were opened for vehicles heading towards Vijayawada, with the remaining lanes catering to traffic bound for Hyderabad. Police said vehicles were stuck for nearly 6 km between Peddakaparthy and Veliminedu. Around 150 police personnel were deployed near the toll plaza to regulate traffic.
Officials said about 60,000 vehicles passed through the Panthangi toll plaza in the last 24 hours, about 20–30% over normal traffic. Cranes were stationed along the highway to clear breakdowns, while ambulances and emergency services were kept on standby along the stretch.
Police advised motorists to use alternative routes to avoid congestion. Travellers towards Chityala were asked to take the Bhongir–Ramanapet road, while those heading to Guntur and Ongole were advised to use the Nagarjunasagar highway.
With congestion persisting, several vehicles were diverted via Khammam. Authorities temporarily opened the Khammam–Devarapalli Greenfield Express National Highway, though it is yet to be fully commissioned. Officials said vehicular movement was allowed despite ongoing construction and pending toll plaza tenders to ease Sankranti-related traffic.
The temporary opening of the 162-km stretch reduced travel distance for passengers from Hyderabad to Rajamahendravaram and Visakhapatnam by nearly 100 km. Vehicles travelling via Suryapet can now reach Khammam and proceed towards Devarapalli through the Sathupalli–Ashwaraopet border route, where road works are largely complete.
The festival rush was also visible at major bus terminals and railway stations. Heavy crowds were reported at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station and Jubilee Bus Station, as well as at Uppal, LB Nagar and Tarnaka junctions. Commuters complained of inadequate bus services despite the TGSRTC announcing 6,431 special buses. Several passengers alleged waiting for up to two hours and being charged up to 50% extra for special services.
Meanwhile, police issued a crime prevention advisory, anticipating that many homes would remain locked during the holidays. Residents were urged to ensure CCTV cameras and alarm systems are functional at their homes.