NHAI and developers resume toll collection on national highways across the country

Following the official order, IRB Infrastructure Developers have also resumed their toll collection from 00.00 hours on Monday.

In a recent development, the toll collection on National Highways resumed throughout the country from Monday, as the official statement came from the government.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the government had earlier announced the temporary suspension of toll collection following directives by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Since 25 March, the toll collection remained completely suspended until Sunday, 20 April.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and highway developers have resumed operations at toll plazas, even as the move is being opposed by the transporters.

One of the leading road and highway developing companies of India, IRB Infrastructure Developers have also resumed their toll collection from 00.00 hours on Monday, in line with the NHAI directives. IRB’s projects SPVs collectively operate 50 toll plazas across India.

“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 restoration of normalcy in phased manners for the nation,” said a spokesperson of IRB Infrastructure.

All of the project SPVs will be taking necessary precautions at toll plazas for highway users and employees manning the toll plazas in line with NHAI guidelines. The company has provided adequate masks, sanitizers, hand gloves, etc. to employees at the toll plazas for ensuring proper hygiene and care.

All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has however, protested the resumption of toll on national highways. The AIMTC said that the decision will affect the rabi crop procurement severely.

It also added that more than 85 per cent of the transporters are cash-starved, who won’t be able to sustain the toll fee.