Farmers Movement Archive

Haryana toll plazas reopen

Karnal: Toll plazas in Haryana, which had been lying non-operational since October last year due to farmer’s agitation, have started charging fee on Monday with revised rates. Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) district President Jagdeep Singh Aulakh along with other farmers made Karnal’s Bastara toll plaza operational by cutting the ribbon. There are two toll plazas under the jurisdiction in Karnal district, including Bastara toll plaza on NH 44 and Pyont toll plaza on NH 709A. The workers and security staff has been deployed at the toll plazas. They were waiting for resuming the operations for a long time. As per sources, at Bastara toll plaza rates have been hiked by Rs 5-10 for heavy vehicles like bus, truck, and multi-axle vehicles. On the other hand, there is also Rs 50 to Rs 275 hike in monthly passes charges for various categories. However, the rates for cars, jeeps, and vans remained unchanged here. Last year, when operations were stopped by the farmers at toll plazas, Rs 440 used to charge from a bus or truck for a one-way trip, while Rs 660 was for a return trip within 24 hours. But now Rs 445 will be charged for a single journey, while Rs 665 will be charged for return trip within 24 hours. Similarly, the toll for multi-axle vehicles has also been increased from the current Rs 705 to Rs 715 for a single trip and from Rs 1,060 to 1,070 for multiple journeys within 24 hours. The farmers have expressed their concern over the traffic jams at the toll plaza and potholes on GT Road and demanded that these issues should be resolved as soon as possible. On the other hand, Bastara toll officials claimed that the rate was usually revised every year based on the wholesale price index (WPI) that was not related to the farmer’s agitation. These rates were to be implemented in September this year, but due to the farmer agitation it could not be done. It is pertinent to mention here that NH-44 is one of the busiest highways as around 40,000 vehicles used to cross Bastara toll plaza in 24 hours and it has resulted in a revenue loss.

The Times of India

2021-12-14

Chandigarh