Hyderabad's Traffic Transformation: Private Cars Explode While Public Transport Dwindles

Hyderabad, the vibrant heart of Telangana, is grappling with a monumental shift in its urban mobility landscape. A recent, in-depth study, spearheaded by a consortium of academic powerhouses including JNTU-Hyderabad, IIT-Bombay, and Osmania University for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), has unveiled a startling transformation on the city's roads between 2011 and 2024.

The findings paint a clear, albeit concerning, picture: private cars are surging, and public transport, particularly buses, is struggling to keep pace.

The most dramatic revelation points to a staggering four-fold increase in four-wheeler usage. While two-wheelers still dominate the streets, their share has subtly receded from a commanding 78% in 2011 to a still significant 68% today.

This reduction, however, is not a sign of decreased motorization but rather a testament to the meteoric rise of cars. In just over a decade, the proportion of cars on Hyderabad's roads has swelled from 16% to a substantial 26%.

In stark contrast, public bus transportation has suffered a significant setback, experiencing a sharp 40% decline in ridership.

Buses, once a lifeline for many commuters, now account for a mere 2% of total vehicle share, a drastic fall from their 6% share in 2011. This precipitous drop is not just a statistical anomaly; it represents a fundamental shift in how Hyderabadis choose to navigate their city.

The numbers behind this transformation are equally compelling.

Hyderabad's total vehicle registrations have ballooned from 38 lakh in 2011 to an astounding 87 lakh in 2024, nearly a 130% increase. Concurrently, the number of daily vehicle trips has more than doubled, soaring from 61 lakh to an eye-watering 1.34 crore. Adding to the complexity, the average trip length has also stretched significantly, from 6.3 km to 10.3 km, indicating more sprawling commutes across the expanding urban fabric.

What's driving this profound change? The study attributes the shift largely to the perceived comfort and convenience offered by private vehicles.

Coupled with a rise in disposable incomes among a growing middle class, the allure of personal mobility has proven irresistible. A critical factor contributing to the decline of public transport is the glaring lack of robust last-mile connectivity, making it an impractical choice for many, despite its potential benefits.

The consequences of this vehicular explosion are palpable across the city.

Hyderabad's major traffic corridors are now perennially choked with congestion, leading to significantly extended travel times, increased fuel consumption, and a noticeable deterioration in air quality. The city's infrastructure, designed for a different era, is struggling to cope with the relentless surge of private vehicles.

The study doesn't just diagnose the problem; it also offers a roadmap for a more sustainable future.

Recommendations include a concerted effort to strengthen and expand public transport networks, with a particular emphasis on addressing the crucial issue of last-mile connectivity. Promoting non-motorized transport options like cycling and walking, alongside the implementation of advanced traffic management solutions, are also highlighted as essential steps to mitigate the impending gridlock.

Hyderabad stands at a crossroads, with the choices made today destined to shape its urban future for decades to come.