Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Faulty Hyderabad Escalators Leave Pedestrians Facing Risky Road Crossings
Some people in Hyderabad need to cross busy roads using foot overbridges.
At one bridge in Madhapur, the escalators are not working, so people must climb stairs.
This can be very hard for elderly people and people with disabilities or knee problems.
Some lifts at another bridge in Begumpet also usually do not work.
Cars often do not stop for people at crossings, making the roads feel unsafe.
Because of this, some people avoid crossing the roads altogether.
A public policy expert said roads should have better footpaths and clearly marked crossings.
He also said police may need to help drivers stop at busy crossing points.
The concerns follow the fatal road incident involving Bharati Mukhi near the Madhapur mall on August 16.
A Madhapur foot overbridge near a mall has nonfunctional escalators, forcing pedestrians to use steep stairs.
The crossing is near where 26-year-old Bharati Mukhi was fatally hit on August 16.
Workers say constant traffic and drivers failing to stop make road-level crossing dangerous.
People with disabilities, older adults and those with mobility or knee problems struggle to use foot overbridges without lifts or escalators.
A public policy expert called for continuous footpaths, clearly marked crossings and police enforcement at busy locations.
- Who
- Pedestrians in Hyderabad, including workers, elderly people and people with mobility problems; Bharati Mukhi was fatally hit near a Madhapur mall.
- What
- Faulty escalators and lifts at foot overbridges are making road crossings difficult and potentially risky.
- When
- The reported ground checks took place on Friday; Bharati Mukhi was fatally hit on August 16.
- Where
- Foot overbridges near a mall in Madhapur and in Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Why
- Escalators and lifts are often out of service, while traffic is constant and motorists frequently do not yield at crossings.
Foot Overbridges As Separation
Accessible Road-Level Crossings
How pedestrians should cross
Foot Overbridges As Separation
Foot overbridges separate pedestrians from moving traffic, but users must climb stairs when escalators or lifts fail.
Accessible Road-Level Crossings
Road-level crossings with signals, driver compliance and police enforcement could be more practical for many pedestrians.
What infrastructure is needed
Foot Overbridges As Separation
Existing foot overbridges can serve pedestrians if their escalators and lifts are maintained.
Accessible Road-Level Crossings
Continuous footpaths and crossings placed near pedestrians' actual destinations would reduce detours and risky crossings.
- Main location
- Madhapur, Hyderabad
- Other location
- Begumpet
- Accessibility problem
- Madhapur escalators and Begumpet lifts were reported to be out of service or rarely working.
- Fatal incident
- 26-year-old Bharati Mukhi was fatally hit near a Madhapur mall on August 16.
- Pedestrian concern
- Residents and workers said stairs are difficult for people with disabilities, elderly people and those with mobility or knee problems.
- Expert recommendation
- Dr Donthi Narasimha Reddy called for continuous footpaths, defined crossing points and police presence during busy periods.