Hyderabad’s Moosarambagh bridge, a vital causeway spanning the Musi river, is on the brink of an indefinite closure. The constant flow of vehicles has pushed its structural integrity to a dangerous limit, making it unsafe for daily commute.
Sources indicate that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) Projects wing has proposed shutting down the bridge completely from both directions, especially after recent floods exacerbated its condition. This crucial decision now awaits final approval from GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan.
This isn’t the first time the bridge has faced such a fate; it has been temporarily closed numerous times this year and in the past, primarily when the Musi river swelled and submerged the causeway.
An independent structural engineering team, commissioned by the corporation, recently inspected the bridge and found severe erosion in its joints, rendering it hazardous for vehicular movement. While high water levels prevented a comprehensive stability analysis (as the pillars were completely submerged), the team’s preliminary recommendation was clear: close the bridge to all traffic.
Complicating matters further, the new high-level bridge meant to replace this causeway is still far from complete. Although construction began in 2022, with plans for two parallel carriageways, only 20% of the work has been finished. Officials estimate that the carriageway connecting Amberpet and Malakpet, originally slated for completion by March 31, 2026, might not be ready until June of next year. Construction on the Malakpet to Amberpet section hasn’t even started.
Given that the existing Moosarambagh bridge serves as a crucial shortcut between Amberpet, Ramanthapur, and Malakpet, its closure is guaranteed to cause significant traffic woes. While alternative routes through Afzalnagar, Golnaka bridge, or via Malakpet and Kachiguda are available, commuters can expect frustrating delays, particularly around the Malakpet road underbridge, which already experiences heavy congestion during off-peak hours.
Despite the anticipated inconvenience, officials emphasize that closing the bridge is unavoidable. Continuing to use it poses an escalating risk to public safety, making the difficult decision absolutely necessary for the well-being of Hyderabad’s commuters.