Authorities mull counterflow BRT system to give RTC buses a faster run through Hyderabad’s IT corridor

For commuters spending long hours inching through Hyderabad’s IT corridor, a proposal under study could give public transport an unusual advantage over the traffic around it: RTC buses travelling in a dedicated counterflow lane.

Cyberabad traffic police are examining the feasibility of a Counterflow Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system between JNTU Junction and Raidurgam Metro Station via HITEC City, with the possibility of extending it towards Waverock and the Financial District. The proposal is aimed at increasing public transport capacity and cutting journey times without worsening traffic for other motorists.

The plan was discussed at a coordination meeting on Thursday (October 1) following a traffic and BRT survey conducted by the Foundation for Resources and Innovations Policy (FRIP) in coordination with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council.

A physical trial with buses travelling on both sides of the road was also ordered for Thursday evening to assess actual traffic movement, merging conditions and whether the counterflow arrangement can work on the ground.

Under the proposal, RTC buses would get a dedicated counterflow lane along parts of the corridor, allowing them to bypass congestion while ensuring the movement of general traffic is not disrupted. Authorities also studied counterflow and kerb-side BRT options using traffic simulation.

But before commuters can expect buses to sail past the familiar snarls, there is a sizeable list of problems to fix. Inadequate bus bays, roadside parking, encroachments, poor lane discipline, pedestrians crossing carriageways, unauthorised stopping of vehicles, junction conflicts and inadequate pedestrian facilities were identified as recurring obstructions.

TGSRTC currently operates up to 15 buses an hour along the corridor and has indicated that additional services could be introduced to increase public transport capacity and reduce dependence on private vehicles. Existing and additional buses could be integrated into the proposed counterflow lane.

Officials also discussed suitable bus entry and exit points, stopping locations, turning movements, boarding arrangements and the need for adequate bus shelters and bays. Civic officials assured support for improving footpaths, bus bays and related infrastructure.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Sunpreet Singh, directed FRIP to reassess the proposed lane from JNTU to Raidurgam Metro Station and further towards Waverock and the Financial District, particularly the point at Raidurgam where buses would have to merge back into regular traffic.