Traffic diversions across Hyderabad as thousands attend Shiv Jayanti processions

Thousands of residents from across Hyderabad took part in the Shiv Jayanti processions on Thursday, February 19, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Maratha warrior king Shivaji, leading to widespread traffic diversions in several parts of the city.

A total of six rallies were organised across Hyderabad. Around 800 people participated in the main procession, which began at Puranapul Darwaza and proceeded towards the Shivaji statue at Imlibun, where a public meeting was held. Other rallies saw participation ranging between 300 and 500 people each, and all culminated at the statue venue.

Congestion was reported along the rally routes from about 11.30 a.m. until the evening as the procession moved through key junctions. According to officials from the Hyderabad traffic wing, the main procession reached Puranapul by 12.30 p.m. and later proceeded towards S J Rotary and moderate traffic congestion was reported in these areas since.

To ensure the smooth movement of the rallies and maintain traffic flow, Hyderabad traffic police implemented dynamic diversions from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in and around Madina, S J Rotary and Afzalgunj. Additional personnel were deployed, and signages were installed to guide motorists and pedestrians.

Puranapul, a key transit node in South Hyderabad, witnessed heavy vehicular movement disruptions as it serves as a major junction for RTC buses and local traffic between the Old City and surrounding areas.

RTC buses from Shamshabad and Attapur heading towards Puranapul were diverted at Aramghar towards Chandrayangutta. Vehicles travelling from Aramghar towards Puranapul were diverted at Bahadurpura crossroads towards Kishan Bagh and Kamatipura. Traffic from Madina towards Bahadurpura was diverted at Goodwill Café via Parthiwada to Bahadurpura crossroads.

Vehicles moving from City College towards Puranapul were diverted at City College towards MJ Bridge. Traffic from Jiyaguda and Karwan via 100-foot road towards Puranapul was diverted at Puranapul X Roads towards Jummerath Bazaar and MJ Bridge. Vehicles and RTC buses from S J Rotary towards Shivaji Bridge were diverted towards Madina, City College and MJ Bridge.

Traffic from CBS towards Shivaji Junction was diverted at Old RTC Depot Road towards Rangamahal when the procession neared the junction. Vehicles from Afzalgunj and Central Library heading towards Shivaji Junction were diverted at Afzalgunj T-junction towards S A Bazar Mosque. Traffic from MJ Market towards Afzalgunj was diverted via Malakunta, Alaska, Chatri and MJ Bridge when the procession crossed S A Bazar Mosque, while vehicles from Afzalgunj towards MJ Market were diverted at Afzalgunj T-junction towards Central Library.

In addition, a separate procession was organised from Moti Nagar to Borabanda Bus Stop between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., passing through Moti Nagar X Roads, Snehapuri Colony and Vijetha Theatre. Traffic congestion was reported at Moti Nagar X Roads and Borabanda Bus Stop through the evening hours.

Police said the diversions were lifted in phases once the processions concluded and traffic gradually returned to normal.