Chintalkunta–Pedda Amberpet Highway Turns Deadly, 66 Killed In Three Years On NH-65

The Chintalkunta to Pedda Amberpet stretch of National Highway 65 has turned into a grave safety concern for pedestrians. With no safe crossing points and rapid highway expansion works underway, residents are being forced to risk their lives daily.

The absence of basic pedestrian infrastructure has led to a sharp rise in accidents, deaths and permanent disabilities over the past three years.

Rising fatalities on NH-65 expansion stretch

Road accidents have been increasing every year along the 12 km stretch from LB Nagar's Chintalkunta to Pedda Amberpet. The expressway, constructed without adhering to minimum pedestrian safety standards, has claimed 66 lives in the last three years, while 211 people have suffered permanent disabilities while attempting to cross the road.

The highway expansion from Chintalkunta junction to Andol Maisamma near Dandumalkapur was launched in December 2022 at a cost of ₹540 crore. Though the road is being widened into 12 lanes up to the Outer Ring Road, pedestrian safety has been completely overlooked.

No foot overbridges or underpasses for pedestrians

Despite the massive expansion, there are no functional foot overbridges or pedestrian underpasses along the stretch. Near Bhagyalatha Kaman in the Hayathnagar area, pedestrians who want to cross the highway are forced to travel nearly 3 km towards Auto Nagar, cross the road there, and then walk back.

Those unwilling or unable to take the long detour are left with no option but to dangerously weave through speeding vehicles, putting their lives at constant risk.

Minister's assurance yet to translate into action

Following protests by local residents in the second week of December, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy instructed officials to construct a foot overbridge near Lecturers Colony in Hayathnagar and complete it within three months. Pits were dug for the project, but even after a month, no further progress has been made.

Proposals to build three vehicular underpasses (VUPs) were also halted after objections from residents and public representatives. Although the minister earlier announced plans to take up an elevated corridor following media reports, no concrete steps have been initiated so far.

Local residents demand immediate safety measures

Shiva, a resident of RTC Colony who runs a local hotel, spoke about the daily danger faced by pedestrians.

"Even stepping out to cross the road is terrifying. If we try to take a safer route, we have to walk several kilometres. If the government responds and builds foot overbridges, many accidents can be prevented."

Residents continue to demand immediate construction of foot overbridges and safe crossings, warning that further delays could lead to more avoidable tragedies on one of Hyderabad's busiest highway corridors.