Removal of Additional Toll Plazas Situated within 60 km of One Another and Rationalization of the Levy of Toll Tax

Dated: 04-04-2022

Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian (Chennai South):Back in November 2022, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways had promised a 40% cut in toll rates. In March this year, promises were made for the removal of 16 toll plazas within a 60-kilometre radius, and the users were charged based on kilometres travelled instead of collections over a stretch. However, no heed was paid to the Tamil Nadu Government’s request to remove the 14 toll plazas that have been set up after widening State Highways by mere 1.5-3 metres or those within city corporation or municipality limits.

Reduction of user fees to 40% and closing the toll-plazas situated within 60 km of one another was requested but no action has been taken. Of the 566 toll plazas operational on National-Highways in India, Tamil Nadu already has 55, the highest in the country. 29 of the 55 toll plazas in the state have revised rates now, with cars being charged an additional amount. The hike in toll fees not only affects traders and vehicle owners but also the public. The toll fee has had a cascading effect on the prices of commodities being transported and passed through these toll plazas. In this light, I urge the Union Government and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to strike down this order for the benefit of the public and also take action on the State Government’s request and the High Court’s directives in this regard.