Consideration of Toll Fee Exemption for Medaram Pilgrims

A wide-ranging discussion is underway in Telangana regarding the state government's letter to the central government requesting the waiver of toll fees on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway during the Sankranthi festival. In this context, Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy made crucial remarks. He clarified that the government is also considering a toll fee exemption for the convenience of devotees attending the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma Mahajathara. He stated that this is not limited to just one group, but the government's intention is to provide relief to all travelers.

With lakhs of devotees expected to attend the Medaram Jathara from January 28 to 31, 2026, the government is taking steps to reduce their travel difficulties. The minister stated that since the toll plazas on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway fall under the central government's purview, a request has been made to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari through the NHAI. Dismissing the criticism circulating on social media, he clarified that this decision is purely for the benefit of the public. Analysts believe that if the toll fee exemption is implemented, it will provide significant financial relief to devotees traveling to the Medaram Jathara.