Removal of illegal van, taxi stands ordered

Interestingly the petitioner is a transporter whose vehicles are often seen occupying the small stretch of a road

HYDERABAD:

As transporters repeatedly defy the Sindh High Court's orders, Hyderabad Circuit Bench in a contempt petition has ordered the authorities to remove a van and taxi stand operating illegally at Wadhu Wah gate on Hyderabad Bypass road. The city's entrance gate, which happens to be the only architectural masterpiece on any of the roads entering Hyderabad from different districts, has become a home to van and taxi stands.

Interestingly the petitioner, Raj Kumar, himself is a transporter whose vehicles are often seen occupying the small stretch of a road connecting Hyderabad Bypass with Wadhu Wah road along the gate.

The bench observed that the transporter had been operating unlawfully and ordered the deputy commissioner and SSP Hyderabad to take action. On December 12, 2024, the same court had directed the officials to remove the stand but that order was not implemented after which Kumber filed a contempt petition.

Naseem Nagar check post, which existed as a formal police station for many years before being downgraded to the status of a check post, exists right next to the gate. The facility itself remains surrounded by vans and taxis but the police officials are seldom seen taking any action.

"Time and again we write to the police to help us remove illegal stands which have spread to many areas of Hyderabad but their response is poor," a transport official, who requested anonymity, said while talking to The Express Tribune.

In 2021 the SHC had ordered the district administration to shift all legally and illegally operating bus stops to Hatri, another entry and exit point of the city along the bypass.