Walkers, joggers and pedestrians at the KBR National Park now have to hop, skip, jump and even dodge vehicles as the long stretches of the pavement around the green space are being dug up for the past 10 days.
While a large number of fitness enthusiasts go for a walk in the park, others prefer using the pavements.
The digging up of the pavement has begun from the junction opposite Telugu Desam Party office, near the first parking lot at the KBR Park, and ends just a few metres shy of the Jubilee Hills Check Post. Another stretch that has been dug up is from the bus stop at the Check Post to Road Number 65 junction.
“Those who come here for a walk are facing difficulties. Secondly, there are a lot of private employees who walk from Film Nagar to bus stops,” said Mohammed Ahmed, who works at a restaurant near the KBR Park.
Highlighting how the stretch has become dangerous for pedestrians, V. Rahul Kumar, an evening walker, said with the pavement not being usable, people are forced to walk on the road.
“There are a lot of drivers and motorcyclists who drive rashly in the evening, and late at night. Imagine what would happen to pedestrians who walk on the carriageway. The government should ensure that the work is completed as soon as possible,” he said.
It is the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company (TSSPDC) that has dug up the pavement. According to officials, work began on May 7 to lay underground cables so as to tackle overloading issues at Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills.
While the work is in progress at 1.4 km stretch of the pavements, a second phase, which entails digging up another 1.4 km, is on the cards.
“We have taken permission from the Hyderabad Road Development Corporation Limited for digging up the pavement. In fact, we have made a payment for restoration as well. Work is progressing fast. A part of the pavement will be filled up latest by Saturday night and we expect to complete the project by the end of the month,” said H. Mallesham, Assistant Divisional Engineer, TSSPDCL.