Hyderabad
GOING
AROUND IN HYDERABAD
Road:The
newer parts of the city have broad roads. Cars are common, but
a large number of residents prefer using two wheelers like scooters,
motorcycles and small mopeds. The government run bus transport
system is well developed.
Yellow
and black Taxis are not so common, instead 3 wheelers (autorickshaws)
are found everywhere. Fares are per meter but usually the drivers
request a couple of rupees more--(better to be negotiated before
hiring). Recently introduced three wheelers seating six passengers
have become very popular. They tend to have fixed fares and
operate between two points, picking and dropping passengers
enroute. There is a move to introduce mini-van type public transport
like in the Philippines.
The
State run transport corporation has a monopoly over city bus
transport. The buses are not really maintained in top condition
and are usually crowded. Average journey fares are Rs 5. "Metro"
buses charge more, run faster and have fewer stops.
Freight
is hauled by usual Indian diesel trucks of varying sizes. Bicycles
are also common. Roads are being widening and flyovers are being
built at a rapid pace. All the same the average motorist or
bike rider ..or pedestrian...lacks a traffic sense. Traffic
moves slowly so accidents are not as common as in other comparable
cities.
In
general Motorists from large cities are advised NOT to try driving
in Hyderabad till they make some sense of the chaos around them.
Mountain bikers and Rally drivers have no problems, and can
escape with relatively minor injuries.
Rail
Travel: Rail is generally used only for long distance travel.
There is a local railway network running on the eastern side
of the city with Secunderabad as its main station midway. However
suburban rail travel is not very popular. Compared to Mumbai,
Calcutta and Chennai it is non existent.
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