Contraflow bus lanes, pick-ups and drops at office premises suggested at mobility symposium

From dedicated bus lanes and improved Metro connectivity to shared employee transport and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, a series of measures aimed at making daily commuting easier in Hyderabad and Cyberabad were discussed at the Mobility Symposium 2026 held in Bengaluru on Thursday (October 8).

Cyberabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner G. Srijana said the city’s mobility challenges required a shift from developing individual transport projects to building an interconnected network that allows commuters to travel seamlessly between their homes, workplaces and public transport stations.

“I feel proximity is not equal to access,” she said, highlighting how the presence of a Metro station or bus route near a residential area does not necessarily translate into convenient public transport.

Among the measures being explored is a contraflow bus lane in Cyberabad, which would allow buses to travel against the direction of adjoining traffic. The Commissioner said the feasibility of expanding the system would depend on the outcome of the trial. A count of existing bus routes has also been undertaken to support mobility planning.

Improving traffic junctions to minimise conflicts between different modes of transport was another priority identified during the discussion.

Another area of focus was making cycling a practical commuting option by connecting existing cycling tracks with residential neighbourhoods and employment hubs.

Highlighting the role of Hyderabad’s corporate sector in reducing congestion, the Commissioner urged employers to reconsider incentives encouraging private car ownership and explore shared transport arrangements for employees travelling from the same residential complexes.

She also suggested that companies facilitate employee pick-ups and drop-offs within office premises rather than on adjoining roads, where such an activity could interfere with traffic movement.

Participating virtually, Foundation for Democratic Reforms founder Jayaprakash Narayan called for better integration of Hyderabad’s Metro, bus and suburban railway services through a unified transport authority and a common ticketing system.