Smooth ride for cars, tough time for walkers

After the PVNR Expressway was constructed, crossing has become a nightmare for pedestrians at Mehdipatnam

The authorities are trying hard to ensure a smooth ride towards Shamshabad Airport, with proposals like road widening on the stretch between NMDC and Sarojini. However, it has yet to address one of the major problems that cropped up after the construction of the PVNR Expressway – pedestrian crossing.

For years, pedestrians have had a tough time crossing the highway at one of the largest transit points of the area, Mehdipatnam. Though the authorities boast of constructing one of the biggest flyovers in India, there is no provision for pedestrians to cross safely under the same flyover.

Before the construction of the Expressway, most pedestrians used the foot overbridge (FOB). However, the FOB was brought down to make way for the flyover.

Speeding vehicles have to come to a sudden halt for pedestrians. Adding to their woes, motorists are making use of the gaps left for pedestrians to make U-turns. “It looks like the authorities have failed to notice the problem of the public. Look how the passage meant for pedestrians is being misused by motorists,” says P Raghuram, a resident of Chilkuru.

There are three gaps under the flyover between Rythubazar and Chandana Brothers. As the road is at the same height as the median, it becomes easier for two-wheelers, autos and sometimes larger vehicles like seven-seaters to drive through.

According to locals, there have been some minor accidents. “For stopping vehicles from making U-turns, the authorities should have raised a portion of the median. At least, if it is raised by a few inches, motorists will not venture into this gap,” said MA Razakh, a construction engineer.

Top officials from the police department expressed ignorance about the problem. There is a plan to set up a ‘Pelican Pedestrian Signal’, whereby traffic will be stopped for a while, giving time for people to cross. “There are three gaps and after identifying the important crossing, we will be putting up the signal in the near future,” said an official on condition of anonymity. However, he was not clear how much longer it would take for the proposal to be implemented.

On The Road

Adding to the pedestrians’ woes, motorists are making use of the gaps left for pedestrians to take U-turns. As the road is at the same height as the median, it becomes easier for two-wheelers, autos and sometimes larger vehicles like seven-seaters to drive through. It is a common sight between pillars 8-9 and 12-13 at any time of the day, say residents.

Tags: featured, full-image, Mehdipatnam, pedestrians, PVNR Expressway

Category: City, City News