CM’s New Traffic Approach Wins Praise from Hyderabad Commuters

In a move aimed at reducing public inconvenience and challenging the long-standing VIP convoy culture , Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy travelled through regular traffic in Hyderabad on Thursday without imposing major roadblocks or traffic shutdowns for his convoy. The decision has sparked widespread public discussion, with many viewing it as a significant shift toward people-centric governance .

The Chief Minister returned to Hyderabad from New Delhi on Thursday evening and travelled from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad to his residence under normal traffic conditions. Unlike the conventional practice of clearing roads for VVIP movement, police officials were instructed not to stop vehicles unnecessarily or create extensive diversions during the convoy’s movement.

Sources said the decision was prompted by an incident earlier this week when heavy traffic restrictions were imposed during the Chief Minister’s departure to Delhi on May 6. Large traffic snarls near the airport reportedly caused inconvenience to commuters, office-goers and emergency travellers. After personally observing the situation, Revanth Reddy is said to have expressed displeasure over ordinary citizens being forced to wait on roads merely for VIP movement.

Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, Telangana DGP C. V. Anand issued fresh guidelines to police officials across the state regarding traffic management during VIP movement . During a video conference with officers of SI rank and above, the DGP directed officials to minimise traffic stoppages and avoid unnecessary diversions that disrupt public movement.

Officials were also warned that strict action would be taken against personnel responsible for avoidable traffic disruptions. The police department is additionally working on plans to strengthen Hyderabad’s urban traffic administration through a dedicated Traffic Bureau under an Additional DGP-level officer.

The move has received a positive response from citizens in Hyderabad, where traffic congestion remains one of the city’s biggest civic challenges. Many commuters believe the decision sends a strong message that public convenience should take priority over official privilege .

Political observers say the development could set a new administrative precedent if implemented consistently across future VIP movements. Citizens are now hoping that other ministers and senior officials will adopt similar practices to minimise disruptions on city roads.