Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Telangana Seeks Toll-Free Travel for Sankranti
A minister in Telangana, India, has asked the central government to make the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway toll-free for a few days during the Sankranti festival in 2026.
He said that during this time, there are usually a lot of cars on the road, which causes big traffic jams at toll plazas.
He wants to make travel easier for people going between these two cities during the festival.
The minister said that the state government is working with other agencies to make this happen and hopes the central government will agree to help make the trip smoother for many travelers.
The state is even ready to pay some money to keep the traffic moving smoothly.
Telangana's Roads & Buildings Minister requested toll-free travel on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway during Sankranti 2026.
Traffic volumes during Sankranti rise to nearly 200% of normal levels, causing long delays at toll plazas.
Proposed toll-free dates are January 9-18, 2026.
The minister cited bottlenecks caused by junctions, habitations, and ongoing road works as worsening the congestion.
The state government is coordinating with NHAI, MoRTH, and traffic police to ease festival travel for lakhs of passengers.
- Who
- Telangana Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy
- What
- Requested toll-free travel on Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway during Sankranti
- When
- Proposed for January 9-18, 2026
- Where
- Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway, India
- Why
- To ease traffic congestion during the Sankranti festival season
- Minister
- Komatireddy Venkat Reddy
- Route
- Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway
- Festival
- Sankranti
- Proposed Toll-Free Dates
- January 9-18, 2026
- Traffic Increase
- Nearly 200% of normal levels
- Toll Plazas Mentioned
- Panthangi, Korlapahad, Chilakaluripet
- Expected Vehicles
- 10 lakh private vehicles
- Traffic Management
- Dedicated control room, 108 ambulances, medical teams, cranes, route patrol vehicles
Sources
Komatireddy Seeks Toll-Free Travel Between Hyderabad–Vijayawada During Sankranti Rush
One lakh vehicles a day expected on Hyd-Vijayawada highway during Sankranti
Police to Curb Traffic for New Year Eve
State Wants Centre to Waive Toll Fee on Hyd–Vijayawada Highway for Sankranti
