Hyderabad studies counterflow bus lane for congested technology corridor

Authorities in Hyderabad are studying a counterflow Bus Rapid Transit system intended to give public buses a faster route through the city’s congested information-technology corridor. Cyberabad traffic police are examining a proposal for Telangana State Road Transport Corporation buses to use a dedicated lane between JNTU Junction and Raidurgam Metro Station, passing through HITEC City. The route could later be extended towards Waverock and the Financial District.

The proposal was discussed at a coordination meeting on October 1 after a traffic and BRT survey by the Foundation for Resources and Innovations Policy, conducted with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council. Officials ordered a physical trial involving buses travelling on both sides of the road. The trial was intended to assess traffic movement, merging conditions and whether the counterflow design could work without disrupting general traffic.

Authorities also examined counterflow and kerb-side BRT arrangements using traffic simulations. Under the suggested system, buses would travel in a dedicated lane against the principal direction of surrounding traffic in parts of the corridor. Existing services could be joined by additional buses.

TGSRTC currently operates up to 15 buses an hour along the route and has indicated that it could increase services. Officials identified several issues that would have to be addressed before implementation. These include a shortage of bus bays, roadside parking, encroachments, poor lane discipline, pedestrians crossing roads, unauthorised vehicle stops, junction conflicts and inadequate pedestrian facilities.

The meeting also considered where buses would enter and leave the lane, stopping points, turning movements, boarding arrangements, shelters and bus bays. Civic officials said they would support improvements to footpaths, bus bays and related infrastructure. Sunpreet Singh, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), directed the research foundation to reassess the proposed route, including its possible extension towards Waverock and the Financial District.

Particular attention was requested for the point at Raidurgam where buses would need to merge back into regular traffic. The material does not say whether the system has been approved or provide a timetable for implementation.