Motorists oppose Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority ORR toll plan

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is facing a strong resistance from motorists for toll collection on Outer Ring Road (ORR). The metropolitan body gave directions to concessionaire to start collecting toll tax from vehicle users plying on the 158-km stretch, but staff at poll booths was unable to implement the decision.

Commuters, motorists and truck-drivers were found to indulge in arguments with staff saying that nowhere in the country tax was being collected and why Hyderabad was an exception. Meanwhile, HMDA authorities stated that Centre’s decision was applicable to only all highways across the country.

“ORR is a state project taken up by HMDA to facilitate easy and quick travel and it does not come under National Highways Authority. But, still we waived off toll tax from November 9 to 14 in view of special situation. As it is denting HMDA’s income on daily basis we decided to collect tax again,” an official said.

Everyday 65,000 vehicles ply on ORR stretch. The monthly income the concessionaire would be paying for toll tax collection is Rs 9 crore. A majority of cars travel in Gachibowli to Shamshabad stretch while the Patancheru Ghatkesar stretch is mostly used by trucks.