Union Minister of Roads, Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari recently instructed National Highway officials and toll agencies not to collect toll fees on poorly maintained roads with potholes and heavy traffic at Tollplazas.
However, on the Rajiv Highway from Ramagundam to Hyderabad, around Rs30 lakhs in toll fees are collected daily from 11,000 to 12,000 vehicles. Despite having two toll plazas, the performance of the highway is not satisfactory, causing difficulties for motorists for years.
Potholes are a common sight on this road in Karimnagar and Peddapalli districts, but toll agencies have not paid much attention to fixing them. Even when repairs are made, the road remains bumpy and looks like a series of speed breakers.
Toll plazas have been established at Timmapur Mandal Renikunta and Basantnagar in Peddapally District on the Rajiv Highway. These tolls have been collecting fees for four, six, and eight-wheeled vehicles for the past 15 years. These tolls are operated by various agencies under the supervision of NHAI, aiming to provide safe and smooth journeys for the public.
Despite paying toll fees for years, carriers have complained about the lack of facilities and proper maintenance on the highway in the joint district. Many villages lack warning signs and proper lighting at night, while plant cultivation and fences along the road have been neglected.
The lack of pothole filling on the roadside poses a risk to motorists, especially during rainy weather. Additionally, there is a need to improve amenities such as drinking water, toilets, emergency services, and fire control facilities along the road. Chithoju Bhaskar, president of Manair NGO, urged public representatives and authorities to take immediate action to address these issues for the benefit of all travelers.
