Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Locals and MLA Oppose FASTag Tolls in Kawal Tiger Reserve
Imagine a special road inside a big park called Kawal Tiger Reserve.
The park rangers put in machines that automatically take money from cars using a special tag, like a toll booth.
But, people who live nearby and drive cars or jeeps say this is unfair.
They have to use these roads a lot to visit family or sell their goods.
The local leader, MLA Vedma Bojju, agrees and says these local drivers should not have to pay.
He also feels the forest department should have told him before putting the machines in.
People are worried about paying money every time they go from one village to another.
Some people are even using motorbikes to avoid the charges.
Local residents are protesting against FASTag toll checkposts installed in the Kawal Tiger Reserve.
The FASTag system was proposed to collect tolls from cars, jeeps, and heavy vehicles using roads through the reserve.
Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju supports the locals, demanding exemptions for residents who frequently use these routes.
Residents argue that frequent travel between villages would incur substantial daily toll charges.
The forest department had proposed ₹150 for heavy vehicles and ₹50 for cars/jeeps/vans.
- Who
- Local residents and Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju
- What
- Opposing FASTag toll collection points within the Kawal Tiger Reserve.
- When
- Following the installation of FASTag systems
- Where
- Kawal Tiger Reserve, Adilabad district, specifically at Utnoor, Thapalpur, Pandavpur, and Kalamadugu checkposts.
- Why
- Locals and the MLA argue that residents frequently using these roads for daily commutes and local transport will face a significant financial burden.
- FASTag Locations
- Utnoor, Thapalpur, Pandavpur, Kalamadugu
- Proposed Toll for Heavy Vehicles
- ₹150
- Proposed Toll for Cars/Jeeps/Vans
- ₹50
- Heavy Vehicle Movement Allowed
- 6 am to 9 pm