Tue Dec 30 15:25:24 UTC 2025: News Article:
Telangana Gears Up for Sankranti Travel Surge, Aims to Avoid Highway Gridlock
Hyderabad, December 30, 2025 – With the Sankranti festival just around the corner, the Telangana government is implementing a comprehensive plan to manage the expected surge in traffic, especially on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway, a major artery for festival travelers. Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy announced the measures after a high-level review meeting today, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to prevent traffic congestion.
The plan includes deploying all relevant departments for extended shifts (three days before and after the festival), restricting heavy vehicle traffic during peak travel periods, and establishing a special incident management and control room equipped with ambulances, medical teams, and essential personnel. Minister Reddy stated he will personally monitor the situation on a motorcycle, conducting field inspections at known congestion hotspots.
A key focus is the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway, which sees almost 100,000 vehicle movements daily during the festival. The Minister has instructed officials to avoid hour-long delays on this crucial route. He has also appealed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for a temporary toll exemption during Sankranti and the Medaram Jatara, indicating a willingness to have the state government cover toll costs to ensure free traffic flow if necessary.
Furthermore, lane closures and road works are banned during peak hours, with unavoidable construction relegated to nighttime. Special attention will be given to congestion-prone areas along the Hyderabad-Vijayawada corridor, including LB Nagar–Vanasthalipuram, Panama Godown, and stretches near Choutuppal, Narketpally, and Ramoji Film City.
The review meeting saw participation from key officials, including R&B Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj, and Collectors from Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri and Nalgonda districts, demonstrating the seriousness with which the Telangana government is tackling the potential for festive travel disruptions.
First Piper 