Hisar, April 1: Travelling on national highways got costlier from Monday as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has revised toll charges in the state. Toll officials in Hisar have confirmed that the rates have gone up by Rs5 to Rs40 for several categories of vehicles.
For instance, a trip by car from here to New Delhi or Chandigarh will mean shelling out Rs30 more on toll. There are three toll plazas on the way to Chandigarh — there is one at Badopatti (Hisar), the other at Narwana (Jind district) and another at Dappar (Punjab).
On a single-side journey, Rs5 has been increased on each of the three toll plazas. Now, commuters will pay Rs95 at Badopatti, Rs70 at Narwana and Rs45 at Dappar
NHAI Project Director RK Rathee said, “Toll has been revised across the country as per the rules and provisions of the NHAI.”
Rohtak-based RTI activist Subash, who has taken on toll companies and the NHAI, said: “The number of vehicles on national highways has been increasing every year. So the toll should decrease in proportion to the increase in the number of vehicles. The period of collecting toll, which spans from 18 years to 26 years, should be shortened.”
He alleged, “Toll companies, the NHAI and politicians in power are looting commuters. This is a blatant robbery by the way of misuse of power and authority.”
Commuters, too, are unhappy. Hisar-based cloth merchant Sunny Pahuja, who travels to New Delhi and Chandigarh frequently, said: “If facilities on national highways are taken into consideration, the NHAI and toll authorities are already overcharging. At several points on national highways, stray cattle roam freely, leading to mishaps.”
Arun Sihag, another Hisar resident, pointed out violation of NHAI norms in setting up toll plaza. “The Ramayana toll plaza is located 4.8 km from Hisar and 4.1 km from Hansi. Rules say the minimum distance for setting up a toll plaza must be 5 km.”
