Hyderabad: People who travelling to their native place for voting were shocked as toll gates on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) were collecting a fee despite the Chief Secretary issuing orders to not collect a fee.
Many commuters even stopped their vehicles and argued with the staff to permit them.
Many people used the ORR to drive down to their home town to cast their votes. Chief Electoral Officer Rajath Kumar requested Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi to waive toll tax and the Chief Secretary issued an order.
Many people who were unaware of the rule were waiting in queue while those who are aware argued with the toll staff.
Speaking to this newspaper, S.K. Muzaffer Imam, Chief General Manager, Outer Ring Road (ORR) said, “I did not get any orders to not collect toll fee.” He also vehemently denied any traffic jam at the toll gates.
Meanwhile, citizens shared pictures of empty streets on social media at various places. The city which is usually choc-a-block with traffic, wore a deserted look throughout the day.
