HYDERABAD: One of the oldest extant bridges in the world,
Puranapul
, has been crying for attention for the last several decades. The entire passage has been occupied by hawkers and authorities have turned a blind eye to it.
Though several complaints about the presence of illegal occupants on the passage have been made to the
GHMC and police officials, no action has been taken. Illegal encroachments thrive, blocking vehicular movement.
“Authorities have paid scant attention to the Puranapul. Motorists are always in haste here causing traffic jams that last long during peak hours. The other carriageway is yet to be opened up for traffic flow. If this is done, it could ease the traffic situation,’’ said a motorist Sameer.
Heritage lovers have time and again urged authorities to ensure the Puranapul is a safe and clean place for locals. Drunken driving and illegal encroachments, they say, are robbing this historic structure of its glory.
“While traffic police have made attempts to stop drunken driving, they have failed to curb the menace. Traffic heading towards
Charminar
, Bahadurpura, and other parts of the Old City have to face hurdle after hurdle during peak hours. Authorities should take note of the traffic problems being faced by people,’’ said a resident Mohammed Abdul Samad.
The 600ft long and 35ft broad bridge once attracted tourists from all over the world, but is now home to vegetable and fruit vendors. The bridge was built in 1578 to provide better connectivity between the then capital of
Qutub Shahi
kingdom Golconda and the port city of
Machilipatnam
. It was also built long before Charminar and predates Hyderabad city.
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