For commuters who cross Begumpet regularly, the hassle of traffic snarls is not new. The Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP) work at the Picket drain and resultant traffic restrictions made matters worse. While the completion of works on one side of the road has eased the drive towards Secunderabad, the ongoing work at the Karachi Bakery stretch means that commuter woes continue.
Traffic from the CTO junction towards Ameerpet/ Greenlands is still being diverted at Wesley College through Sindhi colony roads. Business owners complain about the lack of clarity in the time frame to complete the work. The first part of the work which was supposed to be completed in 45 days, dragged on for over 90 days.
Though revamping the stormwater drain network in the city is a welcome measure, eateries on the Karachi bakery stretch rue that their business has been adversely affected. Some of the restaurants have no business at all on some days of the week and even on ‘good’ days, they are doing only 20%-30% of their regular business. This is pushing them to consider offering a limited menu to diners.
