National Highways collect toll starting April 20

In line with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the toll plazas across India have resumed the collection of toll.

Highways developer IRB Infrastructure Developers stated that all its “Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) had resumed their toll collection from 00.00 hours today,” in line with the NHAI directives. IRB Infrastructure Developers spokesperson stated, “We are pleased to have the directives from nodal agencies to resume toll operations. This seems to be a positive sign for the sector, with an indication leaning towards the restoration of normalcy in phased manners for the nation.

The move directing the collection of toll is not well received by the transporters. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) is unhappy with the decision to collect toll and protested against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in resuming the toll collection on national highways as it would significantly affect the procurement of rabi crop. The AIMTC also stated that over 85 per cent of the transporters constitute small operators who are deprived of cash and could not sustain the toll fee during the lockdown.

The AIMTC has sought the suspension of toll collecting activities till May 3. The AIMTC President Kultaran Singh Atwal stated, “As per inputsreceived from across the country, procurement of rabi crop will be disturbed, as more than 85 per cent, finance-starved small operators can’t sustain toll burden starting April 20. Tolls must be suspended at least till May 3,” Mr. Kultaran said, seeking the Prime Minister’s Office’s intervention.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) is the apex body for the transporters in the country. The AIMTC represents nearly 95 lakh truckers and transport entities.

On the other hand, IRB Infrastructure Developers, who collectively operate 50 toll plazas across India, have fully resumed their operations since Monday. The company also declared that they would continue to provide adequate sanitizers, masks, hand gloves, and other protective equipment to its employees operating the toll plazas. On March 25, the government had announced the temporary suspension of toll collection activities, following the directives by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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