Telangana’s Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has formally requested the Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to allow toll-free movement on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway during the upcoming Sankranti festival period.
The request covers the period from January 9 to January 18, 2026, encompassing both the journey to and return routes for festival travelers. The move comes in response to unprecedented traffic congestion on this crucial highway stretch.
The festive season has triggered a massive 200% surge in traffic on the highway, causing severe delays for commuters. Travelers are experiencing significant bottlenecks at toll plazas, leading to extended waiting times and frustration during what should be a joyous travel period.
The Minister emphasized that the toll-free movement would serve the larger public interest, particularly benefiting the lakhs of festive commuters expected to travel during this period. Sankranti, one of the most important festivals in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, sees massive migration of people returning to their hometowns and villages.
According to the Minister, the primary objective of this initiative is to ensure smooth, safe, and hassle-free travel for festival-goers. The toll waiver would eliminate long queues at toll plazas, which have become major chokepoints during the festival rush.
The Hyderabad-Vijayawada corridor is one of the busiest stretches in South India, connecting the two major cities and serving as a vital link for thousands of daily commuters. During festival seasons, the traffic volume multiplies manifold as people travel to celebrate with their families.
The current traffic situation has highlighted the infrastructure challenges faced during peak travel periods. Toll plazas, designed for normal traffic flow, struggle to handle the festival rush, creating significant delays and inconvenience for travelers.
The Minister stated that allowing toll-free passage would not only reduce congestion but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to public welfare during important cultural celebrations. The request awaits approval from the Union Minister, whose decision will impact the travel plans of countless families across both states.
