Congress govt’s plan to allow toll-free travel to Andhra Pradesh during Sankranti draws criticism

The Telangana government’s proposal to seek toll-free travel during Sankranti has triggered criticism, with many questioning why similar concessions were not extended during Dasara or Deepavali. Ministers say the move aims to ease traffic congestion during peak festive travel

Hyderabad: The Revanth Reddy government’s decision to appeal to the Union government to facilitate free passage at toll gates and extend a special privilege to people travelling to Andhra Pradesh during the Sankranti festive season is drawing strong criticism.

Questions are being raised by different sections over why a similar facility was not extended to Telangana residents during Dasara or Deepavali. Some have alleged that the move amounts to appeasement, keeping the GHMC elections in mind.

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At a review meeting with officials here on Tuesday, Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said an appeal would be made to the Union government to facilitate free passage at toll gates during the Sankranti festive season to avoid traffic congestion.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, he said, was particular about ensuring smooth traffic flow during the festive season. Lakhs of people travel during this period and the State government wants to ensure that they do not face inconvenience.

“If required, I will write a letter to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to approve our request. I will also personally meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in a couple of days over this issue,” Venkat Reddy said during the meeting.

He said that from January 8, there would be heavy vehicular movement on the Hyderabad Vijayawada highway, with around one lakh vehicles crossing toll gates every day. Considering last year’s experience, the Chief Minister had specifically instructed officials to ensure there was no inconvenience to motorists.

The Minister said he would personally visit Toopranpet, Abdullapurpet and other areas on Wednesday. Anticipating heavy traffic congestion from LB Nagar to Vanasthalipuram, Panama Godowns, Hayathnagar, Ramoji Film City and neighbouring areas, departments had been instructed to ensure there were no traffic disruptions or halts, he said.

Venkat Reddy said January would also witness Medaram, the biggest tribal festival, and an appeal would be made to MoRTH to ensure hassle-free travel for devotees.

“If free way is extended at toll gates, there will be no traffic jams and vehicles will pass smoothly,” he stressed.

However, the Congress government’s decision has not gone down well with several sections. Many questioned the rationale behind extending the facility during Sankranti and asked why similar concessions were not provided to Telangana residents travelling to their native places during Dasara or Deepavali.

@GoudSanam, an X user, said, “For attracting people for GHMC elections mainly Andhra Pradesh going public.”

Another X user questioned why the Telangana government should bear the expenditure for people travelling to the Andhra region.