Security alert shuts Army roads in Hyderabad, hits commuters
Army roads in Hyderabad closed for nine days after arms theft, causing traffic chaos and affecting over 10 lakh residents.
Several roads passing through Indian Army establishments in and around Bolarum, Yapral and Kowkoor in Hyderabad have been closed for the past nine days, forcing commuters to take long detours and adding to traffic congestion in the northeastern parts of the city.
The closures, which began on August 31, come amid heightened security following the theft of 12 firearms from the 20 Madras Regiment premises at Bolarum. Signboards reading 'Security Alert: Inconvenience Regretted' have been placed outside multiple Army establishments.
Among the affected routes is the Kowkoor Army road near the College of Defence Management, which was earlier open to civilians travelling towards Hakimpet. The EME Centre Temple along the same road has also been closed, with an Army personnel at the gate saying he was following orders.
The Federation of North Eastern Colonies of Secunderabad (FNECS) said the Local Military Authorities have kept multiple roads in the Cantonment closed, affecting more than 10 lakh residents. The closed roads include Yapral Road, Byam Road, Hislop Road, Rajender Singhji Road, Barr Road, Richardson Road, Golf-Course Balaji Nagar Road, Ammuguda Road and Protnee Road.
"Travel time between Yapral and Hakimpet checkpost, which earlier took around 10 minutes, is now taking more than 40 minutes in the evening because of congestion on the remaining open roads," a resident said.
FNECS noted that there has been no official announcement explaining the closures, though guards at some gates cited a 'red alert' following the arms theft. The federation recalled that the Hyderabad City Traffic Police had earlier objected to such closures, pointing out in a 2022 letter that traffic in the area had increased over 2.5 times since 2011, leading to longer transit times, lower speeds, increased pollution and higher fuel consumption.
FNECS has urged the Local Military Authorities to reopen the roads, saying the restrictions have placed a daily burden on residents. Secunderabad Cantonment Board CEO Arvind Kumar Dwivedi said the SCB had not closed any roads and that the Local Military Authorities may have effected the closures.