Ambulances Lose 20 Minutes in Traffic: Hyderabad’s Congestion Threatens Golden Hour Care
Hyderabad’s growing traffic congestion is severely impacting emergency medical services, with ambulances reportedly losing up to 20 minutes while navigating the city’s crowded roads. The delays are putting the critical “golden hour” — the first 60 minutes after a medical emergency — at serious risk, potentially affecting patient survival rates.
Across major stretches of Hyderabad, gridlock has become a daily challenge for emergency responders. High-traffic zones such as Afzalgunj, Abids, and areas surrounding Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) are among the worst affected.
Ambulance drivers say congestion at key junctions and traffic signals is significantly slowing response times. M. Krishna, an ambulance driver from Amberpet, said motorists often hesitate to give way. “We face massive traffic in Afzalgunj, Abids, and near NIMS. Some drivers are unsure about moving aside at signals, fearing penalties, which forces us to wait,” he said.
Medical experts emphasise that during emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or severe trauma, every minute is crucial. A delay of 15–20 minutes can drastically reduce survival chances and increase complications.
With vehicle numbers rising and infrastructure under pressure, Hyderabad’s traffic situation continues to worsen. Experts call for improved traffic management systems, public awareness campaigns encouraging motorists to yield to ambulances, and the introduction of signal prioritisation technology to ensure faster emergency response.
As the city expands, ensuring clear passage for ambulances is not just a matter of traffic discipline — it is a matter of saving lives.