Heavy traffic on Vijayawada highway as Hyderabad residents head to villages for Dussehra

HYDERABAD: As Dussehra celebrations begin, Hyderabad city has emptied out as residents travel to their native villages. Many city roads are unusually quiet, resembling a curfew-like atmosphere.

The mass exodus has resulted in heavy traffic jams, particularly on the Vijayawada Highway. On Friday, traffic near Kethapalli Mandal in Nalgonda district became congested, especially around the Karrlapadu village area.

Toll gate staff set up six toll booths along the Vijayawada-bound route to manage the increased traffic. A seventh toll booth was also reserved for emergency services, including VIPs and ambulances, to ensure smoother passage.

With the long Dussehra holidays prompting many to leave Hyderabad for their hometowns, traffic is expected to increase further over the weekend. Toll gate officials have indicated that, if necessary, two more toll booths may be opened to alleviate the heavy traffic on the national highway.