Flyovers in Cyberabad shut between 11 pm, 5 am on New Year Eve

HYDERABAD: As New Year festivities approach, the Cyberabad Traffic Police have unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan and intensified measures to curb drunk driving. The regulations, in effect from December 31, 2023 prioritise safety and aim to minimise disruptions during the celebratory hours.

Light motor vehicles would be barred from accessing the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and the PVNR Expressway between 10 pm and 5 am. Exceptions would be granted only to vehicles heading towards the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).

Several key flyovers would be completely inaccessible for both vehicular movement from 11 pm to 5 am. These include Shilpa Layout, Gachibowli, Bio-diversity flyovers (Phases I and II), Shaikpet, Mindspace, Road No 45, Durgam Cheruvu cable bridge, Cyber Tower, Forum Mall-JNTU, Khaithlapur, Babu Jagjivan Ram (Balanagar) flyovers and AMB Kondapur. Commuters have been advised to plan alternate routes during these restricted hours.

To ensure fair access to public transportation, the traffic police would closely monitor the conduct of cab and autorickshaw drivers. Refusal to provide service to passengers on demand has been strictly prohibited and constitutes a violation under Section 178 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. "Drivers must be in proper uniform and carry all their documents. Those defying these regulations face an e-challan penalty of Rs 500. Additionally, the public can report instances of refusal by sending details of the vehicle, time, and location to the Cyberabad Traffic Police on WhatsApp at 9490617346," stated the communication.

Bars, pubs, and clubs face stringent scrutiny to prevent patrons from driving under the influence of alcohol. The police warned that establishments allowing intoxicated customers to operate vehicles would be dealt with strictly as per law. The management of such establishments would face prosecution for abetting the crime of drunk driving.

Extensive breathalyzer checks would be conducted across Cyberabad throughout the night. Individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol would have their licenses confiscated and sent to the Road Transport Authority for suspension. "Rash driving, overspeeding, excessive honking, dangerous driving, and triple/multiple riding will not be tolerated and will invite strict legal action," said the police.

The Cyberabad Traffic Police urged the public to cooperate with these regulations and celebrate responsibly. They asked individuals to plan their travels in advance and utilise designated drivers or alternative transportation options if they plan to consume alcohol.