The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority will increase the ORR toll rates from February 15 midnight. Cars, Vans and other light motor vehicles will have to pay Rs 1.58 per kilometre instead of the current Rs 1.05.
Similarly, mini Buses and other commercial vehicles have to pay a toll fee of Rs 2.54 per km instead of Rs 1.69 per km now.
The surge in motor traffic has resulted in a windfall for all stakeholders. At the same time, the ORR has turned into a dangerous zone with a shockingly high incidence of fatalities every year which continue to increase.
Is the HMDA only concerned about revenues from the ORR or does it have any responsibility towards making the ORR a safe commuting area.
Of course, road safety is a two-way street and the onus lies on the commuters as well. But the authorities on their part should delineate the steps taken to decrease the number of fatalities.
