Insta
NHAI Resumes Toll Collection Across National Highways After New Lockdown Guidelines Come Into Force
Swarajya Staff
Apr 21, 2020, 01:56 PM | Updated 01:56 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Nearly a month after suspending toll collection, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday (20 April) resumed toll collection across the national highways as the new lockdown guidelines came into force, reports Economic Times.
The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its revised guidelines, issued on 15 April, had allowed the phased lifting of curbs on several sectors from 20 April.
The restrictions were imposed by the MHA on 25 March after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide Coronavirus lockdown that began on 24 March midnight.
On 14 April, PM Modi had announced the extension of the lockdown till 3 May.
On Friday (17 April), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had asked the NHAI to prepare for resuming the toll operations. The ministry had noted that user fee collection contributes to the government exchequers besides providing financial strength to the NHAI in terms of budgetary support.
According to the report, the NHAI had to incur a liability of around Rs 1,110 crore for non-operation of toll plazas for the period between 25 March and 19 April.
However, the truck operators have opposed the NHAI decision to resume toll operations.
In a statement issued on Monday (20 April), the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) said that there was ‘complete chaos amid unclear policy guidelines at ground level.”
“Starting of toll at this point in time is a bad decision,” the statement said, adding that it meant acute pressure on the transport fraternity in the country.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.