Impact of Amavasya sentiment: Slow vehicular movement on Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway

Despite rapid technological progress and space exploration, age-old beliefs continue to influence daily life. Many people still avoid travel on Amavasya days, considering it inauspicious. This sentiment was evident again on January 18, 2026, which coincided with Mauni Amavasya.

Following the Sankranti holidays, large numbers of people were expected to return to Hyderabad from their native places. However, many postponed their journeys due to the Amavasya belief, resulting in reduced vehicle movement on the Vijayawada–Hyderabad National Highway (NH 65).

At Pantangi Toll Plaza near Choutuppal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, traffic flow remained relatively slow compared to typical post-festival rush. Reports indicate that around 70,000 vehicles moved towards Hyderabad until late night.

Anticipating increased inflow from Andhra Pradesh, toll authorities opened nine booths towards Hyderabad. Police implemented traffic diversions due to congestion, especially near Chityal, where bridge construction work is underway.

Vehicles were diverted through Kodad and Nalgonda bypass routes, leading to long queues and heavy dust on rural roads, causing inconvenience to local residents.