A number of tolls operating on highways in Andhra Pradesh have been revised. In this respect, new monetary burdens have been introduced on the road users. From October, the new rules are set to come into effect, and 65 toll plazas across the state will be affected.
Earlier, for single trip, they paid ₹160 and for return trips ₹80 while there was no extra cost if they make more than one trip in a period of 24 hours. However, according to the rules of the central government, it is collecting the full amount for the one-way trip and collecting 50% of the amount for the return journey, without any consideration of the number of trips they make within a 24-hour period.
This also affected the regular passers between Vijayawada and Guntur as thousands of vehicles travel this road daily. Indeed, the new system has increased the traveling cost and the burden is borne by the travelers themselves.
There are 69 toll plazas in Andhra Pradesh on the national highways. Of these, 65 are under the new rules; however, the rest is under the old system and is four in number: Keesara Toll Plaza on the route from Vijayawada to Hyderabad Venkatachalam, Boodaram, and Sullurpet plazas on the Nellore-Chennai highway.
At these four toll stations, the commuter pays for the full fare for the first trip and half the fare for the second trip within 24 hours without a surcharge for subsequent trips. This is exempted from the additional charges since these BOT agreements for these tolls are still valid until 2031.
With the introduction of the revised toll rules, the cost of commuting has increased manifold for many people in Andhra Pradesh. Even though a few toll plazas are still functioning on the old system, most have adopted the new structure, leaving frequent travelers to bear the financial burden of increased toll fees.
