Hyd roads in ruins as uplift promises go unkept
Commuters make their way through a flooded street during heavy monsoon rains in Hyderabad on July 14, 2025. Photo: AFP
Alleged long-standing negligence by relevant authorities has left major Hyderabad roads in disrepair, with substandard repairs and stalled construction projects adding to commuters' woes.
In many areas, roads paved with paver blocks have sunk due to the use of substandard materials, while several streets have gone unrepaired for years. Dust and debris rising from broken roads have become a daily source of discomfort, causing damage to motorcycles and cars.
The road from Rabiul Awwal Chowk in Latifabad Unit No 10 to BC Section police station remains badly damaged on both sides up to Hazrat Bilal Chowk. In the past, stones and gravel were laid in the name of repairs, but the road is now covered with sharp stones and sand.
Similarly, the stretch from Bhitai Chowk, Latifabad Unit No 4.5, to Unit No 10, repaired earlier with MNA funds by MQM MPA Sabir Qaimkhani, has developed potholes within months due to heavy traffic.
Other roads, including the stretches from BC Section police station to Latifabad Unit No 11 and from Hazrat Bilal Chowk to Unit No 6 near Baby Afza Park, are also in a severely damaged state. On Airport Road near Bagh Mustafa Ground, sections repaired with paver blocks have sunk, while surrounding stretches remain broken.
Construction work on Khuda Hafiz Board Chari to Kohsar Phase 2 was abandoned midway by the contractor after using substandard materials, leaving roads incomplete and hazardous.
Similarly, Latifabad's Unit No 5, 11, 12, Mehboob Ground Road, and other densely populated areas such as Phuleli, Parbatabad, Noorani Basti, Gishala, Talab No 3, Gaddis Naka, Faqir ka Purok, Nishat Chowk, and Station Road have also seen severe deterioration.
Adding to the problem, roads repaired with paver blocks are often dug up shortly after by utility companies, and left unrepaired, further worsening their condition.
A major project on Autobhan Road - from Gaddo Chowk to Fateh Chowk — remains stalled. While a section from Gaddo Chowk to Latifabad Unit No 7 was inaugurated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, work on sewage lines and road construction from Latifabad Unit No 12 Changi Naka to Fateh Chowk has faced repeated delays. Heavy traffic jams on these damaged stretches cause long delays, damage vehicles, and increase commuters' financial burdens, especially amid rising inflation.
Residents have also criticised the provincial government's plan to implement traffic fines in Hyderabad, saying that the city's roads are not fit for such enforcement. Encroachments and poor maintenance have compounded the problem, leaving citizens frustrated.
Despite promises by MQM and PPP lawmakers, Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials, nine town chairmen, and 160 UC chairmen in 2025, little progress has been made to repair roads or improve infrastructure.