Highway Gridlock: Sankranthi Rush Snarls Traffic

Nellore City News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-12 00:42:19 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 12:02:30

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The Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway, a vital artery connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, has become a sea of vehicles, inching towards a festive destination. The annual Sankranthi festival, a much-awaited celebration, has triggered a massive traffic surge, with over 70,000 vehicles recorded at the Pantangi toll plaza in just 12 hours. This mass exodus, a testament to the festival's allure, has transformed the highway into a slow-moving procession.

The bottleneck at Pantangi, a critical juncture, saw vehicles crawling through the toll plaza, with the congestion stretching back for miles. In response, authorities have swiftly implemented measures to alleviate the gridlock. Additional toll booths have been opened, and FASTag scanning expedited, ensuring a smoother flow. The strategic deployment of emergency services, including patrol vehicles and medical assistance, at key toll plazas, provides a safety net for travellers.

However, the relief at Pantangi is short-lived for many, as the journey ahead remains challenging. Near Nandigama, the highway narrows, and ongoing construction work further exacerbates the congestion. Vehicles queue for hours, a frustrating prelude to the festive celebrations. This situation underscores the need for improved infrastructure and traffic management strategies to handle such seasonal surges.

As the sun sets on another day of heavy traffic, travellers remain hopeful, eager to reach their festive destinations. The authorities' proactive measures offer some respite, but the journey ahead serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing India's bustling road networks during peak travel periods. With Sankranthi festivities on the horizon, the highway congestion is a temporary hurdle in the grand celebration, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in road infrastructure and traffic management.

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