Hyderabad, usually known for its non-stop traffic, crowded streets, and buzzing nightlife, wears a completely different look during the Sankranthi festival. As the harvest festival approaches, the city experiences an unusual calm, with roads appearing vacant and commercial areas operating at minimal capacity.
Every year during Sankranthi, a large section of Hyderabad’s population travels to their native places across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This mass movement significantly reduces traffic congestion, making daily commuting smoother and quicker for those who remain in the city.
Traffic movement across Hyderabad has seen a significant drop during the Sankranthi festival period. Major junctions, flyovers, and arterial roads that are usually packed during peak hours are witnessing smooth and uninterrupted vehicle flow. Commuters are reporting drastically reduced travel times, with some routes taking nearly half the usual duration due to the absence of office-goers and daily rush.
The impact is especially visible in IT corridors, business districts, and city entry points, where long traffic queues are almost nonexistent. Traffic police have also noted fewer congestion complaints and smoother signal management during this period. This rare traffic-free phase highlights how festival migrations temporarily ease the pressure on Hyderabad’s urban road network.
IT hubs, business districts, and office zones witness reduced attendance as many companies offer extended holidays or work-from-home options. Public transport usage drops, shopping malls see thinner crowds, and even popular food streets feel less busy than usual.
Residents who stay back often describe this period as the “best time to enjoy Hyderabad,” citing peaceful roads, easier parking, and shorter travel times. For photographers and content creators, the empty flyovers and silent streets provide rare visual moments in a city that never sleeps.
However, the calm is temporary. As Sankranthi celebrations conclude, the city gradually regains its usual pace, traffic returns, and Hyderabad resumes its energetic rhythm.
For now, the festive season offers a brief pause — a quieter Hyderabad that few get to witness.
