Hyderabad’s uneven catchpits are creating hidden hazards for motorists, with rainwater concealing structures positioned as much as two to three feet above or below road level across several major roads and neighbourhoods. Two-wheeler riders face particular risk because the uneven surfaces can be difficult to identify during short spells of rain.
The problem has been reported across the 2,053-square-kilometre Core Urban Region Economy area, which includes the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri municipal corporations. Locations identified include MCH Market Road in Ameerpet, Dharam Karam Road, Nallagandla Main Road, Dabeerpura, Narayanguda, Nalgonda X Road, Shaikpet and Filmnagar.
During rainfall, waterlogging can conceal the difference between the road surface and the catchpit, causing vehicles to strike the structures unexpectedly. Md. Mubeen, referring to a catchpit outside a private hospital on Nalgonda X Road, said he had seen a motorist fall and that the problem had continued for two months.
Another commuter, K. Ayansh, described encountering a similar hazard on Begumpet road while travelling towards Mayur Marg. He said he moved to the left to avoid a bus and hit an uneven catchpit hidden by waterlogging. He was able to control his motorcycle and avoid injury, but said the structure was not visible from the road.
Enquiries with municipal engineers indicated that the hazards are linked to gaps in coordination between agencies responsible for road restoration and catchpit maintenance. Road restoration contracts are handled by one agency, while cleaning and maintenance of catchpits are assigned to another. At several locations, this division of responsibility has left catchpits two to three feet higher or lower than the adjoining road surface.
The problem is not restricted to major roads. Similar conditions have been observed in colonies and slum areas, although catchpits on main roads are considered more dangerous because motorists may be unfamiliar with their locations. Regular users of internal roads may know where the hazards are, while other road users can encounter them without warning.
Municipal officials said corrective work had been carried out at several locations by filling the gaps around catchpits with bitumen or concrete. A GHMC official said the issue had not been ignored, adding that catchpits belonging to the water board were being painted red and adjusted to match road height. The official also said warning signs were being placed at locations where work was in progress.
The measures cited by officials include levelling catchpits, marking hazardous structures and installing signs at work sites. These interventions are being undertaken while different agencies continue to share responsibility for the road surface, drainage structures and maintenance work.
