‘Sleepy' Malkajgiri gets a turnaround

A few years ago, people commuting to Malkajgiri used to be edgy after 10 p.m. Few city buses used to ply on the route during nights. Even hiring an autorickshaw was difficult as drivers loathed to go to the area, citing lack of ‘return' passengers.

With dark and desolate stretches spread en route, this middle class dominated locality, two-wheeler drivers, particularly women, were weary that they might become a prey to thieves. Though located just a few kilometers away from the bustling Secunderabad Railway Station, Malkajgiri essentially had very little traffic after dark.

But the sleepy colonies in this locality are slowly catching up with rest of the capital thanks to the changing work culture and influx of middle class professionals working in Hi-Tec City and adjoining areas. A torrent of vehicles can be seen zipping past well after mid-night now.

That is not all. Small time cafés, restaurants and even fruit vendors on roadside push carts are extending their business timings steadily.

“It was really difficult for me to come back from my work place if I miss my company vehicle. I was reluctant to drive back on my two-wheeler as I had to go through desolate places. But now even at 2 a.m. one can witness some traffic,” says M. Ramesh Yadav, a software engineer working in Hitec city.

Factors like low cost of living and proximity to major centres like Secunderabad and Paradise are influencing many in choosing this area to reside. These professionals usually come back after late night shifts and this is contributing to the increased night time traffic.

Police too have increased their patrol in the area to ensure security to motorists. Check posts at Mirjalguda and other places have now become a regular sight on the main road.

“Thanks to the police check posts, driving through this road has become safer now. With increasing traffic and presence of police, I have no hesitation to go back even during late nights,” another resident K. Appa Rao says.