Hyderabad's Unused Foot Over Bridges: A Safety Concern

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-11-03 01:35:56 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-20 04:47:02

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In a city where pedestrian safety is a growing concern, Hyderabad's foot over bridges (FOBs) and skywalks, once seen as a solution, now stand as underutilized structures. These FOBs, strategically placed at busy junctions, were meant to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians, but a recent ground-level observation reveals a different story.

At various locations, including Greenlands, Masab Tank, Secunderabad, and Miyapur, the FOBs remain largely unused. Pedestrians, seemingly undeterred by the potential dangers, prefer to navigate through the bustling traffic rather than take the overhead routes. When questioned, many cited convenience and time-saving as reasons for their choice. Pranay G., a student, confidently stated that crossing the road directly is faster, despite the risks, as he has never encountered an accident.

However, this trend raises serious safety concerns. With four pedestrian deaths on roads daily in the state, according to 2023 data, the need for effective solutions is evident. Poor maintenance and cleanliness issues further discourage FOB usage, as evident at the Secunderabad FOB, where the escalator and elevator are non-functional. Bhavana Sharma, a parent, shared her experience, explaining how she stopped using the FOB due to the broken escalator, opting instead to wait for her child below the bridge.

Road safety experts propose alternatives such as underpasses and higher medians, suggesting that these might be more appealing to pedestrians. The GHMC, acknowledging the issues, assures that repair work and maintenance efforts are ongoing. As Hyderabad grapples with this challenge, finding a balance between convenience and safety remains a priority, leaving officials with the task of devising strategies to encourage FOB usage and ultimately save lives.

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