In an embodiment, a computer obtains a mapping of a relational schema of a database to a graph data model. The relational schema identifies vertex table(s) that correspond to vertex type(s) in the graph data model and edge table(s) that correspond to edge type(s) in the graph data model. Each edge type is associated with a source vertex type and a target vertex type. Based on that mapping, a forward compressed sparse row (CSR) representation is populated for forward traversal of edges of a same edge type. Each edge originates at a source vertex and terminates at a target vertex. Based on the forward CSR representation, a reverse CSR representation of the edge type is populated for reverse traversal of the edges of the edge type. Acceleration occurs in two ways. Values calculated for the forward CSR are reused for the reverse CSR. Elastic and inelastic scaling may occur.