As per reports, the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) on Monday (05 January) issued a directive, banning kite-flying near metro stations and along metro tracks to ensure smooth metro operations. The ban applies to areas around metro stations and zones near metro rail corridors, and is likely to be in effect till the conclusion of Makar Sankranti festivities. An official order is awaited.

The HMRL has warned that kite strings can get entangled in electrical components of moving trains or overhead electric lines, triggering service disruptions and accidents. Furthermore, metro officials stated that there have been recorded instances of kite-flying causing minor service interruptions in the past.