Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Sankranti Rush Causes Heavy Traffic and Temple Crowds
After the Sankranti festival, many people were traveling back to Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.
This caused a lot of traffic on the highways and at major train and bus stations.
The traffic was so heavy that it stretched for miles, and people had to wait for hours.
The police tried to help by opening toll gates and directing traffic, but it was still very crowded.
There was also a problem with a bridge that wasn't finished yet, which made the traffic even worse.
At the same time, many devotees visited the Durga temple on Indrakeeladri.
The temple authorities made sure everything was well-organized so that the devotees could have a peaceful visit.
The police are advising people to travel at times when there is less traffic to avoid the congestion.
The traffic is expected to stay heavy for the next few days as more people return from the holidays.
Some people also noticed that the prices for auto rickshaws and cabs went up because of the rush.
Massive traffic congestion on Vijayawada–Hyderabad highway due to Sankranti return rush.
Long queues of vehicles from Gollapudi to Ibrahimpatnam, causing severe inconvenience.
Heavy rush reported at key toll plazas, including Pottipadu, Keesara, and Chillakallu.
Vijayawada West Bypass opened to ease congestion, but traffic remained slow.
Incomplete bridge at Pamulakalva created a major bottleneck, worsening traffic.
- Who
- Commuters and devotees returning from Sankranti festival
- What
- Heavy traffic congestion on highways, major stations, and temple crowds
- When
- Saturday, January 18, 2024 and Sunday, January 19, 2024
- Where
- Hyderabad, Vijayawada–Hyderabad highway, Durga temple on Indrakeeladri
- Why
- Massive return traffic and temple visits after Sankranti holidays
- Location
- Hyderabad, Vijayawada–Hyderabad highway, Durga temple on Indrakeeladri
- Cause
- Sankranti festival return traffic and temple visits
- Affected Areas
- NH-65, ORR, Secunderabad railway station, MGBS, JBS, Cyberabad, Durga temple
- Key Toll Plazas
- Pedda Amberpet ORR, Pottipadu, Keesara, Chillakallu
- Traffic Regulation
- Police and highway officials deployed, toll gates opened
- Temple Management
- Temple Executive Officer supervised arrangements, ensured smooth crowd movement
- Expected Duration
- Next few days
- Advice to Commuters
- Plan travel during off-peak hours
Sources
Sankranti return rush chokes Vijayawada–Hyderabad highway
RTC Running Extra Buses To Clear Heavy Outgo of Passengers Post-Sankranti
Post-Sankranti Rush Floods City Roads
Jansadharan spl train between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada
Bumper-to-bumper traffic continues for second day
Sankranti exodus causes massive traffic snarls
Post-Sankranti passenger rush continues at PNBS