Booming car count raises traffic chaos in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: With 74,500 new cars added to the city’s roads in 2010, up from 20,998 new cars in 2009, it does not look like the ever-increasing petrol prices are dampening car sales in any way. Interestingly, the rate of two-wheeler sales has decreased as many are opting for cars.

As the percentage of road area to the total land area is less in Hyderabad as compared to Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, the police anticipate even more traffic problems.

The additional commissioner of police (traffic), Mr C.V. Anand, said “The increase in cars is not accompanied by simultaneous expansion of roads. The percentage of road area to the total land area in Hyderabad is six, when compared to 10 in Mumbai, 18 in Chennai and 12 in Kolkata.”

According to official figures, around 28 lakh vehicles of all categories are plying in the GHMC area, with around 600 new vehicles added every day. Around 3.6 lakh cars and 16 lakh bikes ply on the roads.

The traffic police have proposed a 100-day action plan to the Chief Minister for the improvement of traffic, estimated to cost 25 crore.

The state government on Tuesday granted `10 crore to improve the traffic signalling system in the GHMC area.

SOURCE: Deccan Chronicle