DMK MP P Wilson
Credit: X/@PWilsonDMK
New Delhi: DMK MP P Wilson is slated to move a private resolution in Rajya Sabha on Friday seeking the closure of all toll plazas and suggesting the collection of a one-time small registration fee for maintenance of National Highways and related infrastructure.
India has 983 toll plazas and it has collected Rs 55,844 crore as user fee in 2023-24, the proposed resolution has said, adding that the rising number of toll plazas and the increase in toll charges cause financial strain on citizens, adversely impacting their mobility and economic well-being.
Under Section 8 of the National Highways Act, 1956, an agreement is made with private concessionaires for the collection of toll fees and the maintenance of national highways, including bridges and tunnels.
"Consider the closure of toll plazas across the country and cancelation of all concession agreements entered by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) by amending the National Highways Act, 1956 and collect one-time small registration fee which could be utilised for maintenance of National Highways," the resolution said.
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He said the government policy that there should be only one toll plaza for every 60 kilometers on national highways and that any excess toll plazas would be closed within three months is yet to be implemented.
The government should formulate a time-bound action plan to close all toll plazas across the country, which are located within a 60 km radius of another toll plaza, as an “interim measure and prevent any future proliferation” of such toll plazas without sufficient justification.
Wilson also wants the government to publish a White Paper disclosing the investment and the realised amount of all toll plazas across the country since the implementation of the toll plaza system and details of the agreement entered by the NHAI.
He is also demanding an investigation into violations identified by the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2023 and ensuring accountability for any lapses in toll collection operations that have caused public or financial harm.
The CAG report has revealed serious irregularities, including violations leading to financial losses exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, suppression of toll revenues, and the improper granting of exemptions to VIP vehicles.
Wilson is of the view that toll plazas often become major sources of traffic bottlenecks, forcing vehicles to queue for long periods, which lead to substantial travel time losses, increased fuel consumption, and higher vehicular emissions, all of which significantly harm the environment and public health.
"In many cases, the primary objective of toll plazas i.e., to ensure smooth and uninterrupted movement on national highways, is not achieved, thereby imposing an undue burden on road users while failing to deliver the promised benefits of improved infrastructure and sustainability," the resolution said.