Assam Pradesh Congress President and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi has written a letter to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari expressing serious concern over the condition of highways in Assam. Gogoi has demanded that toll tax collection be stopped until the national highways of the state are completely repaired. He said that collecting toll on bad roads is not only injustice to the public but also endangering their life and property.
Toll is being collected even on dilapidated roads
Gogoi said in his letter that the condition of NH-27 and NH-37 of Assam is very bad. Deep potholes at many places, uneven surface and waterlogging during rains have made these roads unsafe. He specifically mentioned the roads between Sonapur-Rah (NH-27/NH-37) and Baihata Chariali (Madanpur)-Nalbari (Galla Toll Plaza), where reports of accidents and long delays come every day. Despite this, the National Highway Authority (NHAI) is continuously collecting toll tax from here. Gogoi termed it as a direct betrayal of the public.
Public anger and increasing problems
Gaurav Gogoi said in his letter that people have protested against toll plazas at many places in Assam. The ever-increasing toll charges have become another burden for the citizens struggling with floods, inflation and unemployment. Especially truck drivers and transport businessmen are facing unbearable costs, which is directly affecting the prices of essential commodities reaching common households. He reminded that the Supreme Court had recently clearly stated in the NH-544 case of Kerala that if the roads are in potholes and bad condition, then citizens cannot be forced to pay toll. The court admitted that toll collection is justified only when the roads are safe and smooth.
Demand to stop toll collection till repair
Gogoi said that he had raised questions on the condition of NH-37 earlier also, but now the condition of NH-27 and NH-37 has deteriorated even more. Therefore, it is now necessary that the Center intervenes immediately. He urged Gadkari to suspend toll tax collection until the highways are fully motorable and certified. Along with this, he also demanded a detailed audit of all toll plazas in Assam and an investigation into the compliance of road maintenance standards. Gogoi says that this step will not only be in the interest of the public but will also be in accordance with the orders of the country’s Supreme Court.
