New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a major relief for pilgrims travelling to the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Tolls on the Lucknow-Prayagraj National Highway have been temporarily waived and will remain toll-free till February 28, 2025.
The announcement came after another toll plaza at Andhiyari, located on the Prayagraj-Rae Bareli National Highway, was made toll-free for all private vehicles.
Andhiyari toll plaza also made free of toll
Since Friday midnight, vehicles have been passing through the Andhiyari toll plaza without any interruption. According to officials, the suspension of toll collection is primarily due to incomplete construction work on the highway. However, according to reports, the government issued orders to waive tolls for Mahakumbh devotees.
The Andhiyari toll plaza, situated near Lal Gopalganj on the Prayagraj-Rae Bareli highway, is a crucial point for thousands of vehicles travelling towards Prayagraj and Varanasi. Efforts were already underway to exempt tolls at seven toll plazas near the district boundary.
Extensive arrangements for traffic management
With an estimated 40 crore devotees expected to attend Mahakumbh, the government has made extensive arrangements for traffic management, security, and accommodation. Several routes will be converted into one-way corridors to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
The Uttar Pradesh government had requested the Centre to waive toll charges during Mahakumbh. Responding positively, the Centre directed NHAI to suspend toll collection on major entry routes to Prayagraj for 40 days.
