The historic Charminar area, long regarded as the heart of Hyderabad’s old city, is admired for its rich culture, heritage, and the traditions that define the city. Every aspect of Hyderabad’s identity can be seen here—its markets, its food, its architecture, and its people.
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However, the charm of this iconic locality is now overshadowed by severe traffic congestion, largely caused by the increasingly unruly behavior of auto drivers. Residents say the worsening situation is damaging the very cultural experience Charminar is known for.
Auto Drivers Ignoring Traffic Rules, Causing Daily Disruption
According to locals, auto drivers in the Charminar belt:
- Do not follow any traffic rules
- Park their autos wherever they want
- Block half the road with haphazard parking
- Cause inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists
- Show no regard for public movement or traffic flow
Many autos are seen parked in the middle of the road or on both sides, leaving barely any space for vehicles to pass. This results in:
- Long traffic jams
- Delays for commuters
- Risk to pedestrians trying to navigate crowded lanes
What should be a smooth cultural experience becomes a struggle due to constant traffic disorder.
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Key Hotspots of Traffic Chaos
The worst-affected locations include:
- Laad Bazaar Junction
- Gulzar House
- Mitti Ka Sher
- Charminar main roads
- Other connecting lanes leading to the heritage monument
Residents complain that traffic violations occur openly, day and night, with auto drivers showing little discipline or respect for the rules.
Police Struggle to Control the Situation
Traffic police officials appear helpless at times because:
- The number of autos is extremely high
- Violations occur constantly
- Tackling every offender becomes nearly impossible
A few years ago, auto entry into Gulzar House was restricted, leading to significant improvement. However, once autos were allowed again, traffic problems returned worse than before.
Public Demand: Strict Action Against Unruly Auto Drivers
Local residents are urging authorities to take strong steps, including:
- Heavy fines for autos blocking junctions
- Restricting auto entry into key heritage zones
- Cancelling licenses of repeat offenders
- Seizing autos involved in chronic violations
- Enforcing strict discipline similar to New City traffic rules
People believe that only strong enforcement can restore order and preserve the cultural environment of the Charminar area.
A Heritage Zone Needs Discipline, Not Chaos
Charminar is more than a traffic junction—it is a symbol of Hyderabad’s identity and cultural pride. To protect its dignity, proper road discipline is essential. As residents point out, even ants walk in a straight line, but many auto drivers refuse to follow basic order for the sake of quick earnings.
Firm regulations, strict penalties, and disciplined traffic movement are now vital to ensure that Hyderabad’s cultural heart continues to beat with pride, not chaos.