The festive spirit of Sankranti has brought joy to millions across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but it has also triggered unprecedented traffic chaos on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway. As families flock to their hometowns for the harvest festival celebrations, the vital artery connecting the two cities is overwhelmed with vehicles stretching for kilometers.
From early morning, cars, buses, trucks, and two-wheelers have been pouring in from all directions. The highway, typically bustling, has turned into a parking lot in several stretches, particularly between Kodad and Ibrahimpatnam. Commuters report waiting hours in sweltering heat, with some abandoning their vehicles to stretch their legs or grab roadside snacks.
Authorities have deployed additional police personnel and traffic wardens to manage the flow. Diversions have been announced on alternate routes, but even those are clogged. ‘We’ve been stuck here since dawn,’ said Ravi Kumar, a traveler heading to Vijayawada from Hyderabad. ‘Everyone is going home for Pongal, but at this rate, we’ll miss the festivities.’
Sankranti, marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn, is one of the most cherished festivals in the region, celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and traditional sweets like pongal and ariselu. Rural areas see bullock cart races and cockfights, drawing crowds from cities. This year, the post-pandemic travel surge has amplified the rush.
Highway officials are working round-the-clock, using cranes to remove breakdowns and drones to monitor congestion hotspots. Toll plazas are operating extra counters, yet queues persist. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) advises travelers to check live traffic updates via apps and plan journeys accordingly.
As the sun sets on this chaotic day, the real celebration awaits at home. For now, patience is the biggest gift on this highway of hope and homecoming. With forecasts predicting continued heavy movement through the weekend, commuters are urged to brace for more delays.