Flyover or Elevated River? Newly Constructed Flyover in Hyderabad Floods After Downpour
Hyderabad, July 19, 2025: A newly constructed flyover in Hyderabad’s LB Nagar area turned into a waterlogged nightmare after heavy rain, raising serious concerns over urban planning and drainage infrastructure. Videos of vehicles stranded in knee-deep water on the elevated stretch went viral, with citizens and experts slamming authorities for poor design and execution.
Flyover Resembles Swimming Pool After Downpour
The flyover, intended to ease traffic congestion, instead became a symbol of failed infrastructure as rainwater accumulated across its length, leaving commuters struggling to navigate the flooded stretch. Several vehicles broke down due to engine failure, while social media erupted with sarcastic remarks and memes.
One user quipped, “Engineering marvel of the year – a flyover that doubles up as a pool!” Another joked, “Why not block traffic and let kids swim here until monsoon ends?”
Experts Blame Drainage Negligence
Urban planners and engineers called the flooding a clear case of negligence. A retired municipal official stated, “Flyovers are elevated precisely to avoid waterlogging. If it’s flooding, the drainage system was either not planned or executed properly.”
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has ordered an inquiry, with initial reports pointing to either blocked drain outlets or an improper slope preventing water from flowing out.
A flyover in Hyderabad has turned into a swimming pool itself. How on earth does an elevated road flood?
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) July 19, 2025
Anyway, while we’re at it, why not just block traffic on this engineering marvel and let kids use it for swimming until the monsoon ends? pic.twitter.com/wK6NL52IQo
Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc Across Hyderabad
The flyover flooding was just one of many rain-related disasters in the city. On Friday, torrential downpours brought Hyderabad to a standstill, with roads submerged, homes flooded, and a boundary wall collapsing in Barkas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Areas like Padma Colony (Nallakunta), Paigah Colony (Secunderabad), and Chinmaya Marg (Mirjalguda) saw severe waterlogging, forcing evacuations. Meanwhile, Hussainsagar Lake neared its full capacity, reaching 513.41 meters by 5 PM.
Record Rainfall Paralyzes City
Automatic weather stations recorded extreme rainfall, with Bowenpally and Begumpet receiving 11.5 cm, Nacharam (10.1 cm), Uppal (10 cm), and Malkajgiri (9.7 cm). Serilingampally faced severe flooding, affecting key areas like Madhapur, Gachibowli, and Hitech City.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) deployed emergency teams to clear waterlogged roads and assist stranded residents. Commissioner A.V. Ranganath oversaw rescue operations in Patny, where an overflowing stormwater drain forced boat evacuations.
Public Frustration Grows Over “Smart City” Claims
The flooded flyover has become a flashpoint for public anger over Hyderabad’s infrastructure woes. As one frustrated local remarked, “We wanted flyovers to escape traffic – not drown in it.”
With more rains forecasted, citizens fear further failures in the city’s drainage and urban planning systems.
