Though it was widened to give a smooth ride, motorists using the Charminar – Falaknuma road continue to face problems. In fact, the road is considered unsafe by motorists in absence of adequate lighting, encroachments and road dividers
It took around three decades for the authorities to nearly complete the road widening works but even after that, the stretch remains problematic mainly during the night time.
To begin, authorities have failed to replace the conventional streets lights with modern lighting system on the stretch.
“At many places the streets lights are not working properly or are inadequate,” complains Mirza Faiz Baig, a bank employee pointing out the few places like Indian Bank at Shamsheergunj and Imran hotel at Falaknuma.
Absence of road divider on the three kilometre stretch of the road is not going well with the motorists. “Rash and negligent driving is resulting in accidents especially during the night time. Authorities should at least make some temporary arrangements at Shahalibanda and Lal Darwaza,” Syed Akbar, a businessman, says.
The GHMC crossed a milestone after it successfully acquired a piece of land belonging to a temple at Falaknuma. Unfortunately after the stretch was widened, many temporary shops have come up hindering the traffic flow. “In spite of having enough space in their mulgis, the vegetables vendors encroach the road space and do business. The authorities should immediately clear them,” a regular road user says.
A little ahead of the temple, the management of a newly opened hotel has encroached a portion of the road and constructed a big platform for parking.
Further up the road, motor mechanics occupy the stretch at Aliabad, Shamsheergunj and Shahalibanda.
When contacted, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Charminar, G. Anjaneyulu, said temporary barricades have been put up at Charminar and the GHMC is told to put up road divider at other places.
“We will follow it up and also instruct officials to clear the encroachments on the stretch,” he said.
Officials of the GHMC were not available for comment.
