Hyderabad’s new elevated corridor reshapes a neighbourhood, one shop at a time
As Paradise-Shamirpet elevated corridor takes shape, decades-old shops and neighbourhood landmarks along Lothkunta’s Rajiv Rahadari are disappearing, marking the end of a familiar streetscape even as the project promises to ease congestion on one of Secunderabad’s busiest traffic routes
A 500-metre stretch of Rajiv Rahadari in Lothkunta, Hyderabad, is set to undergo significant changes as it prepares to give way to the construction of a 18.1-km Paradise-Shamirpet elevated corridor. The neighbourhood, once a hub of daily activity with pharmacies, restaurants, and general stores, now faces the demolition of its familiar storefronts to make way for the new transport infrastructure project.
The elevated six-lane flyover, along with service roads and a short underground tunnel near Hakimpet Air Force Station, aims to alleviate congestion on one of Secunderabad's busiest traffic corridors, particularly around the Lothkunta railway bridge. For residents like Sanjana A.G., the loss of a small DVD shop that served as a gathering place for films and conversations is deeply felt.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on commuters, with travel times between Patny, Karkhana, Alwal, Lothkunta, Thumkunta, and Shamirpet expected to improve. However, the loss of landmarks extends beyond private businesses, as several defence establishments and government offices are also affected. While the project aims to begin traffic disruption minimising construction after service roads, concerns have been raised about the potential for higher speeds leading to speed-related crashes once the corridor becomes operational.
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