Hyderabad is facing growing problems as street vendors take over sidewalks and roads across the city. In many areas, temporary stalls and carts are blocking footpaths, making life difficult for pedestrians, commuters, and local residents.
Locals say that this issue has become a daily struggle. Vendors selling food, fruits, fish, and other items are setting up shop on public walkways and roads, especially in busy neighborhoods like Film Nagar, Uppal, LB Nagar, Mehdipatnam, Nampally, Ameerpet, Kukatpally, Jubilee Hills, and Banjara Hills. Even parts of the Old City are packed with carts, leaving little space for people to walk safely.
Residents like S Narayana from Film Nagar say the situation is out of control. He points out that the once peaceful neighborhood now faces constant traffic jams, noise, and even safety concerns. “Footpaths are now filled with tiffin centers and fast food stalls. It’s affecting our privacy and peace,” he said. He jokingly added that “Film Nagar might soon be renamed Street Vendor Nagar.”
The problem isn’t just about blocked walkways. Locals say that increased foot traffic and illegal parking by customers are creating daily traffic snarls. In some places, like Surya Nagar Colony in Jubilee Hills, even car showrooms and service centers are using public roads for parking. Asif Hussain Sohail, a colony member, shared that despite repeated complaints, the issue keeps coming back. “Even when authorities clear the encroachments, they return in days,” he said.
People have been tagging GHMC and the Hyderabad police on social media, hoping for action. But so far, results have been disappointing. In response to one complaint, the city police replied, “You want police to do everything? There is a department called GHMC. Please request them, and the police can assist.”
Residents feel the lack of coordination between GHMC and the traffic police is making the situation worse. With no strict monitoring, vendors move right back after being evicted. This has turned once quiet residential colonies into chaotic market zones.
The growing number of vendors, along with poor traffic control, is pushing pedestrians into dangerous situations. With sidewalks blocked, many are forced to walk on the roads, risking accidents and worsening traffic congestion.
Locals are now calling for strict and permanent action. They believe that only a united effort by GHMC, traffic police, and local authorities can restore order and bring peace back to their neighborhoods.
