Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma launched the Traffic & Road Safety Summit 2025 at Jal Vihar, Necklace Road on Thursday. He stressed that traffic involves more than just congestion; it’s about saving lives and enhancing public trust. He stated that a city’s growth and identity are linked to its traffic, with safe and efficient transportation being essential for modern progress.
The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), along with the Hyderabad City Police, hosted the event. It gathered policymakers, industry leaders, traffic experts, and law enforcement officials. In his speech, Dev Varma focused on the emotional aspect of road safety, urging a move from awareness to action. He emphasized the need for citizens to not only know traffic rules but to follow them. He also highlighted the importance of inclusive urban growth and cross-sector collaboration.
Hyderabad City Commissioner CV Anand mentioned that this is HCSC’s first summit focused on traffic. He pointed out that with over 92 lakh vehicles and 1,500 new ones added daily, managing traffic is key to maintaining the city’s reputation for safety and livability. He described congestion as both a quality-of-life and economic issue, noting initiatives like ‘Operation ROPE’ (Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments), advanced signal systems, and deploying 120 trained traffic marshals. Anand also noted the 30% pay incentive for traffic police due to their demanding roles.
C Shekhar Reddy, Secretary General of HCSC, emphasized that long-term traffic safety in Hyderabad requires collective responsibility. Vikram Singh Mann, Additional Commissioner of Police, highlighted the need for multiple stakeholders to participate. V Rajashekhar Reddy, Joint Secretary of the Traffic Forum HCSC, pointed out issues like vehicle growth outpacing road capacity and poor public transport integration.
He advocated for integrated urban mobility, smart traffic management with adaptive signals, and fair infrastructure. D Joel Davis, Joint Commissioner of Police for Traffic, concluded by expressing gratitude and reaffirming the commitment to safer roads. He noted that the summit was just the beginning, providing insights and commitments to guide future efforts toward a safer, smarter, and more resilient Hyderabad.
