Hyderabad, India – Pedestrians traveling through Secunderabad railway station are facing significant challenges due to the lack of proper footpaths that connect vital multimodal transit points such as Rathifile bus stand and Secunderabad East metro station. The absence of well-maintained walkways is forcing pedestrians to share the road with vehicles, especially during peak hours, increasing the risk of accidents and creating traffic bottlenecks.
Commuters, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, are left with no choice but to walk on the road, as the footpaths are either blocked or too narrow. The problem is compounded by encroachments, including traffic signals, hoardings, and stalls, which further reduce the already limited pedestrian space.
Abhijeet, a student who commutes through the Secunderabad metro station daily, shared his frustration, saying, "Every morning it's like playing a video game. We are forced to walk on the road because the footpath is either blocked or too narrow. I have had close calls at times."
The situation is no better for public transport drivers. Mohd Hussain, an auto-rickshaw driver, noted, "Buses have started stopping to pick up passengers much earlier than the designated bus stop. It's easier for us to pick up passengers from Secunderabad East metro station, but the traffic police won’t allow us to stop there as crowds block the movement of vehicles."
The issue becomes especially hazardous during the monsoon season, with poor drainage systems causing waterlogging on the already narrow paths. "During the rainy season, it becomes absolutely impossible to walk here. The drainage is poor, and the narrow space becomes slippery and dangerous," said Lakshmi, another daily commuter.
A Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged the issue and revealed that the footpath in the area is partly maintained by Hyderabad Metro. "We will try to address this issue jointly," the official said, suggesting that improvements may be underway in collaboration with metro authorities.
This ongoing issue highlights the urgent need for better pedestrian infrastructure in one of the busiest transport hubs in the city to ensure safety and smooth mobility for all commuters.
