Telangana’s Sankranti toll waiver request and how it could help thousands travelling on NH-65 within the State

The Telangana government has requested the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to exempt tolls on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada stretch of National Highway 65 during Sankranti. The request aims to alleviate traffic congestion at toll plazas like Panthangi, Korlapahad, and Chilakallu, which experience a significant increase in traffic volume during the festival period. The Telangana government argues that toll exemption would benefit families traveling to interior districts of Telangana, who often rely on private vehicles due to crowded public transport options.