Hyd gridlocked on first Ramazan as traffic management falters

As the holy month of Ramazan began on Sunday, the second largest urban centre of Sindh saw a debilitating traffic congestion on all major roads due to the absence of traffic police officers in densely populated areas.

Commuters faced difficulties, particularly before Maghrib prayer, as they struggled to reach their destinations amid gridlocked roads.

While traffic police personnel were present at the city's entry and exit points, their absence from major inner-city roads led to huge disruptions. The areas worst affected included Tilak Chari, Station Road, Lajpat Road, Society Chowk, Pakistan Chowk, Autobahn Road, and Mehmood Garden.

Despite frequent claims by divisional and district administrations regarding improved traffic management, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. While official statements often highlight efforts to address these issues, commuters continue to face daily traffic woes.

Sources said that securing duty postings at Hyderabad's entry and exit points is highly sought after, with officers reportedly using personal connections, including recommendations from elected representatives, senior police officials, and anti-corruption officers. As a result, active officers are often stationed at these points, while those assigned to inner-city areas frequently leave their posts early, compounding traffic woes.

The gross mismanagement of traffic control raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing measures and highlights the need for a more disciplined and structured approach to ensure smoother traffic flow across the city.