The streets around Hyderabad's Abids area will pulse with a different rhythm this week as thousands of devotees descend upon the ISKCON temple for Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. In response, city traffic authorities have rolled out an elaborate plan to manage the expected congestion while keeping both worshippers and commuters safe.

Key facts

  • Restrictions in effect from 4 a.m. September 4 to 1 a.m. September 5
  • Multiple road closures and diversions around Abids area
  • Parking available at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally
  • Traffic helpline: 9010203626

Roads to Avoid

Commuters should steer clear of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids Circle, Old Hyderabad Collector Office, Chirag Ali Lane and Nampally Station Road. These arteries are expected to bear the brunt of devotional traffic, with police predicting heavy congestion throughout the celebration period.

Traffic Management Plan

Police will implement a carefully choreographed halt-and-go system at GPO Junction for vehicles moving from Gunfoundry and Tilak Road Junction toward Nampally Station Road. If crowd movement becomes overwhelming, vehicles will be diverted toward MJ Market instead.

A similar approach will regulate traffic from Jambagh Road and S.A. Bazar Mosque toward GPO Junction. During peak devotion hours, vehicles won't be permitted toward GPO Junction at all, instead finding alternative routes through MJ Market toward Gandhi Bhavan and Chapel Road.

Public Transport Adjustments

The city's RTC buses will dance to the same diverted rhythm. Buses from Rangmahal and Jambagh Road will redirect at MJ Market Junction toward Gandhi Bhavan Road and Nampally Station Road, bypassing GPO Junction and Abids Circle entirely. Those from Liberty and Basheerbagh will divert at BJR Circle toward A.R. Petrol Pump.

For devotees driving to the celebrations, the city has arranged parking at Exhibition Grounds in Nampally—a welcome respite in what promises to be a challenging navigation day.

The Traffic Police's advice comes through clear and simple: avoid the affected routes if possible, use alternative roads, and for those who must travel through the area, keep the emergency helpline (9010203626) close at hand.