The TTD is ready to introduce FASTag, the radio frequency identification tag, at its Alipiri toll station from Tuesday (June 1st).
With the Union’s Ministry of Roads and Highways making electronic payment compulsory at all toll gates in the country from February 15, the TTD has decided to also introduce it at the Alipiri checkpoint in Tirupati in order to minimize the waiting time of visiting pilgrims.
Although the point has been upgraded to a seven-lane toll booth with separate lanes for cars, RTC buses, and two-wheelers, it is often flooded with vehicles on weekends and festive occasions, causing a lot of inconvenience for visitors, leading the TTD to choose for FAST day.
At the same time, the toll was increased according to a decision of the Board of Trustees in January, which has since been approved by the government. The following new tariffs will apply from Tuesday: LCV / LMVs 50 each; Minibuses, trucks and trucks ₹ 100 and JCBs ₹ 200. Two-wheelers are completely exempt from any form of payment.
Statistics show that every day (on normal days) around 4,500 four-wheelers and over 1,000 two-wheelers pass the toll booth and earn an annual income of ₹ 4 crore. The adjusted tariffs are likely to triple toll revenue.
However, the TTD has decided to accept the toll in cash for a few months in order to make it easier for visitors.