Hyderabad: With the city’s ever-increasing traffic woes, Hyderabad has earned a new moniker—the “City of Speed Breakers.” The proliferation of speed bumps across its streets has prompted serious reactions from residents and commuters alike.
The city’s efforts to enhance road safety are commendable. Speed breakers have been installed in numerous neighborhoods to curb speeding and reduce accidents. However, the sheer number of these speed bumps has sparked a lively debate among Hyderabad’s citizens. While some praise the initiative for making roads safer, others argue that it has turned daily commutes into a bumpy ordeal.
Ramesh Rao, a tech professional who commutes daily from Gachibowli to Hitec City, shared his frustrations. “It’s like riding a roller coaster to work every day. I understand the need for safety, but there has to be a balance. These speed breakers are damaging our vehicles and causing unnecessary delays.”
In some areas, the spacing between speed breakers is so tight that drivers find it challenging to maintain a steady pace. This has led to increased wear and tear on vehicles and higher fuel consumption. For many, what was once a smooth, hassle-free drive has turned into a tiresome experience.
Local authorities and road safety advocates also find it tough to deal with speed breakers coming up in every nook and corner of the residential colonies and thoroughfares. A traffic Inspector who responded on the condition of anonymity, said “Our primary concern is the safety of our citizens. Speed breakers have proven to be effective in reducing accidents, especially in school zones and residential areas. We are open to feedback and are working on optimizing the placement of these speed bumps.”
Additionally, some residents support the initiative, particularly parents of school-going children. Priya Sharma, a mother of two, commented, “I’d rather have a bumpy ride than worry about reckless drivers endangering my kids’ lives. Safety should always come first.”
As the debate continues, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has got the responsibility to review the placement and design of speed breakers. A comprehensive survey has to be conducted to ensure that the speed bumps serve their intended purpose without causing undue inconvenience to residents.
Given that the city has over 4.5 lakh lamp posts and electricity poles, residents are concerned that there could be a speed breaker for every two poles in the future. This may turn into a traffic hazard, benefiting automobile spare parts manufacturers due to increased wear and tear on vehicles. A businessman with an establishment in Hitec City, who commutes daily from ECIL, crosses nearly 62 speed breakers and 18 traffic signals. The ordeal raises the question: Is there a better solution to balance road safety and commuter convenience? How long, Hyderabadis have to navigate the city’s undulating streets
