Bholath MLA and Chairman of the All-India Kisan Congress, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, has urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to immediately stop toll collection at the Dhilwan Toll Plaza in Kapurthala district and the Mannawala Toll Plaza in Amritsar district. He alleged that lakhs of commuters across Punjab are being unfairly charged despite the expiry of the concession period for these toll plazas.
Background of the Issue
Khaira pointed out that farmers, traders, employees, students, and transport operators using the Jalandhar-Amritsar National Highway continue to pay toll charges, even though the tolling period, as disclosed by NHAI, ended on May 29, 2026. He emphasized that this practice imposes a significant financial burden on the public.
RTI Information Reveals Concession Period
In a representation addressed to the Chief General Manager (Technical), NHAI Regional Office, Panchkula, Khaira referred to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, 2005 from the Project Director, NHAI, Project Implementation Unit, Jalandhar. According to an RTI reply issued on August 28, 2015, the concession period granted to M/s Jalandhar Amritsar Tollways Ltd. was for 20 years, commencing from May 29, 2006. Consequently, toll collection at both Dhilwan and Mannawala toll plazas was to continue only up to May 29, 2026.
Legal and Public Interest Concerns
Khaira contended that since the concession period has admittedly expired, the continued collection of toll raises serious legal and public-interest concerns. He questioned whether any extension of the concession period, fresh concession agreement, notification, or statutory authorization had been granted permitting toll collection beyond the stipulated date. He sought immediate disclosure of any such approval in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Demands Made by the MLA
The MLA urged NHAI to take the following actions:
- Immediately stop toll collection at both toll plazas.
- Open free passage for all commuters without delay.
- Disclose the present legal status of the concession agreement.
- Provide details of any extension or authorization allowing toll collection after May 29, 2026.
- Examine the legality of toll collected after the expiry of the concession period and take appropriate action in accordance with law.
Urgency of the Matter
Khaira requested that the matter be treated as urgent, stating that it affects lakhs of road users across Punjab and involves issues of significant public interest and public money. He called upon the authority to address the issue promptly to relieve commuters from unnecessary financial strain.
