Despite strict restrictions, heavy vehicles are still using the Shaheed Adivasi Gowari Sitabuldi Flyover, creating ongoing problems for the traffic police and the Public Works Department (PWD). Even years after the rules were set, enforcement remains weak, and there are no proper technical barriers in place—raising concerns about the flyover’s safety and structural strength.
Traffic officials say they don’t have enough staff to monitor the flyover all the time. On the other hand, the PWD says it hasn’t taken action due to budget and technical issues.
“There are several flyovers in the city equipped with well-lit height barriers that effectively discourage heavy vehicles. But in the case of Gowari Flyover, repeated proposals to improve barriers and lighting have been ignored,” said a senior traffic officer.
Although there is a lighted signboard near the flyover, officials admit it hasn’t helped much. The speed breakers on the road leading to the flyover, once a small deterrent, have also worn out over time, making the situation worse.
Looking for a smarter fix, traffic officials recently reviewed a proposal from a local techie. The idea includes installing height sensors that would detect if a vehicle is too tall. If it is, an illuminated bar would automatically lower to the driver’s eye level, making them stop or take a different route.
“This kind of real-time, visual warning would be much harder to ignore than a static signboard,” explained the officer, adding that such technology could drastically reduce illegal heavy vehicle movement without relying solely on human enforcement.
Senior officers, including Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, have held meetings with PWD officials to discuss possible solutions, but these have yielded little action. “We’ve submitted proposals, but they often go unheard,” said the officer, expressing frustration over bureaucratic delays.
Now, with conventional measures failing, the traffic department plans to take the matter to the District Road Safety Committee, chaired by the District Collector. Officials hope the move will prompt the PWD to take stronger action.
The flyover, never meant to carry heavy freight traffic, continues to face structural stress due to misuse—raising serious safety concerns for commuters.
Officials stress that unless firm steps—such as smart tech-based deterrents, physical barriers, or stricter enforcement—are implemented, the issue is unlikely to be resolved.
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