Restrictions on New Year Festivities, Flyovers to Stay Closed in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Dec 31 (NationPress) With the exception of three flyovers, all flyovers in Greater Hyderabad will be closed on the night of December 31 and January 1 as the police have enforced restrictions on vehicular movement to ensure safety during the New Year celebrations.

Police Commissioners from Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda have issued directives to impose limits to avert accidents or any unfortunate incidents during the festivities.

The focus of the Hyderabad Police will be on bustling markets, areas near malls, and popular gathering spots for celebrations, including Tank Bund, NTR Marg, PVNR Marg (Necklace Road), and various commercial venues in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Punjagutta, Khairathabad, Saifabad, and more.

Restrictions will be enforced on a situational basis starting from 11 p.m. on Tank Bund and adjacent roads, continuing until the conclusion of the New Year Celebrations. This applies to all forms of private and public transportation.

No traffic will be permitted on NTR Marg, PVNR Marg (Necklace Road), and Tank Bund from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Traffic restrictions will also be enacted around Hussain Sagar Lake as necessary.

All flyovers in the city, except for Begumpet and Tolichowki, will be closed to traffic as needed on the night of December 31-January 1. However, the PVNR Expressway Flyover will remain available for travelers heading to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) with valid air tickets.

Private buses, trucks, heavyweight goods vehicles, and large passenger vehicles will not be allowed entry into Hyderabad City from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Outer Ring Road (ORR) will also be off-limits for light motor and passenger vehicles, except for those heading to RGIA, from 10 p.m. on December 31 until 5 a.m. on January 1. Travelers going to RGIA must present air tickets.

Management of luxury hotels, clubs, bars, and event organizers are instructed to establish special parking and security measures to manage traffic effectively. Alcohol service in pubs and bars must be restricted to designated hours, and they must ensure safe transportation for patrons who consume alcohol.

Traffic Police will conduct rigorous checks to address traffic violations, including drunk driving, reckless driving, overspeeding, and other dangerous behaviors. Harsh legal consequences will be enforced for offenses like drunk driving, excessive speeding, stunt driving, racing, and zig-zag driving, as stated by Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand.

Authorities have cautioned that they will take strict action against revelers engaging in drunk driving and drug use. A special operation will run from 8 p.m. on December 31 to 7 a.m. on January 1, 2025, to monitor drunk driving. Offenders will face a fine of Rs 10,000 and a potential six-month prison sentence.

The Telangana State Narcotics Bureau (TSNAB) will also conduct drug screenings on suspected individuals, collecting urine samples for rapid testing with results available in five minutes.

Hosts of New Year parties, along with hotels, restaurants, farmhouses, resorts, pubs, and bars, have been put on notice regarding strict action for permitting drug use on their premises.

The Telangana Four-Wheeler Drivers Association (TGFWDA) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) have pledged to provide free transportation for those who have consumed alcohol between 10 p.m. on December 31 and 1 a.m. on January 1, 2025.

Recognizing the dangers of drunk driving to public safety, they aim to mitigate risks linked to alcohol consumption after New Year’s celebrations.

The two organizations will deploy 500 four-wheeler cabs and 250 bikes for this purpose. Individuals seeking a ride can contact 9177624678.