The Telangana government has requested Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to waive toll charges on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway during the upcoming Sankranti festival. Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy highlighted the need for toll-free travel from January 9 to January 18 to accommodate the significant increase in traffic during the festive season. He emphasized that the surge in traffic, especially from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, leads to substantial delays at toll points.
Venkat Reddy also pointed out that Sankranti is a major festival in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in a two-fold rise in traffic volume on the highway. He urged for toll-free movement from Hyderabad to Vijayawada between January 9 and 14 and from Vijayawada to Hyderabad from January 16 to 18. Additionally, he instructed officials to implement proactive measures to ensure smooth traffic flow before, during, and after the festival, including restricting heavy vehicles on the highway.
During a review meeting, Venkat Reddy stressed the importance of a seamless travel experience for Sankranti celebrants and called for the establishment of a special control room. He emphasized the readiness of various departments, including medical teams, police, and highway authorities, to address any potential traffic issues. Venkat Reddy even expressed his willingness to personally meet Minister Gadkari to discuss the toll exemption request if needed.
