Using Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road to get costlier, as HMDA plans hike

This move comes in the backdrop of the authorities being severely cash-strapped.
Using Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road to get costlier, as HMDA plans hike
Using Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road to get costlier, as HMDA plans hike
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Commuters planning to use Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road (ORR) may soon have to pay a heavy toll, as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is reportedly planning a 50% hike on the existing fees.

This move comes in the backdrop of the HMDA being severely cash-strapped, and taking a further hit when it stopped collection for 23 days in between November and December, following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"The toll collected on the ORR is less compared to other expressways such as Yamuna Expressway, Mumbai-Pune Expressway and National Highway Authority India toll fees. The new rates will be implemented as soon as the government gives the go ahead," HMDA metropolitan commissioner T Chiranjeevulu told the Times of India.

"ORR is an eight-lane access controlled expressway with paved shoulders, complete greenfield construction. Soon, an intelligent transport system will be introduced on the stretch for quick and safe travel," he added.

The TOI report adds that the rate for for cars would increase to Rs 1.58 per km from the existing 1.05 per km, while the rate for buses would go up from Rs 1.69 per km  to Rs 2.54 per km. 

According to other reports, the proposal was put forward to Municipal and Urban Development Minister K T Rama Rao, who agreed to the hike.

However, he wanted the authorities to create awareness among vehicle users, before increasing the rates.

Unlike National Highways where toll charges are collected based on category of vehicle, ORR charges toll according to the distance travelled on the road, with users making the payment while exiting the road.

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