Key civilian roads in Bolarum within the Secunderabad Cantonment remain closed despite the Telangana Police solving the firearms theft case that prompted the restrictions, leaving nearly 3.5 lakh residents and daily commuters facing longer journeys, according to a report by Telangana Today.
The Local Military Authorities have not yet reopened Richardson Road, Ammuguda Road, Holy Trinity Church Road, Protnee Road and Byam Road, the report said. The roads were shut after an arms theft was reported at the 20th Battalion, Madras Regiment, on August 31.
The Malkajgiri Police have completed their primary investigation into the firearms heist. However, traffic restrictions on the roads within the cantonment area have continued, resulting in diversions for residents, motorists and commuters travelling through Bolarum and surrounding parts of Secunderabad.
According to the Federation of North-Eastern Colonies of Secunderabad, which has taken up the road reopening issue, the closures are forcing commuters to use bypass routes and travel an additional 5 to 8 kilometres. The longer routes have increased travel times for people commuting to workplaces and other daily destinations.
Residents and commuters have reported detours lasting between 40 and 50 minutes. The prolonged restrictions have also contributed to congestion on the alternative routes, with motorists facing bumper-to-bumper traffic during their journeys. The report said commuters have been travelling in unusually high temperatures, adding to the strain caused by the extended diversions.
The road closures have prompted resident welfare groups, motorists and commuters to ask the Local Military Authorities to restore access to the blocked thoroughfares. Their demand is based on the continuing disruption to everyday movement across the cantonment area after the police investigation into the theft was completed.
The issue highlights the mobility consequences that can follow when roads passing through or alongside military-administered land are closed for security reasons. In Bolarum, the affected roads serve civilian movement, meaning restrictions on the network are also shifting traffic onto alternative routes and increasing travel distances for surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Local Military Authorities have not announced a reopening timeline in the information available in the report. Residents and commuter groups are awaiting a decision on whether and when the five roads will be reopened.
