The Telangana government has approached the Union Road Transport Ministry seeking toll-free travel on National Highway-65 during the Sankranti festival period, citing the expected surge in vehicular movement across the state. The request aims to reduce congestion and facilitate smoother travel for people heading to their hometowns during the peak festive rush.
Officials said NH-65, a key arterial highway connecting Hyderabad with Vijayawada and other regions, typically witnesses heavy traffic during Sankranti due to large-scale inter-district and inter-state travel. Temporarily suspending toll collection, they noted, could help prevent long queues at toll plazas and improve overall traffic flow.
State authorities also highlighted safety concerns, pointing out that congestion at toll gates during peak travel hours can increase the risk of accidents. The proposal includes enhanced coordination with traffic police and highway authorities to manage diversions and ensure uninterrupted movement along busy stretches.
While the final decision rests with central authorities and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the state government said the measure would offer significant relief to commuters and transport operators during the festive period. Similar arrangements have been sought in previous years to handle seasonal traffic spikes.
Officials added that traffic advisories and route updates would be issued in advance to inform travellers about any changes once a decision is taken.
According to reports carried by the Times of India, the state has urged authorities to consider toll-free movement during the festival rush.
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