The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, has issued an interim order staying the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) enhanced toll charges at the Ghatta barrier. The commission directed that the toll fee for a single trip be reverted to Rs 25, the rate effective before September 30, and will remain in effect until the next hearing scheduled for October 30. The order mandates compliance by 4 pm on Saturday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the NHAI had proposed increasing the toll to Rs 65 for a single journey and Rs 100 for a return trip within two hours. This proposed hike had ignited significant public outcry and protests among residents and regular commuters in the vicinity of Ranital in Kangra. The development comes amidst ongoing construction of the Mataur-Shimla four-lane highway, a project that has faced scrutiny over its execution and associated costs.
The commission’s decision followed a plea filed by consumers who alleged a violation of their rights, including the rights to safety, choice, and information. Their counsel, Advocate Abhishek Padha, presented arguments contending that all four lanes of the highway were not yet operational, and a significant stretch, the Balugloa section, remained non-functional. Despite these incomplete infrastructure developments, the NHAI sought to implement the increased toll rates.
Further, the complainants highlighted that commuters travelling towards Dehra faced a lack of alternative routes. This situation effectively compelled them to utilize the NHAI-controlled highway and pay the stipulated toll, irrespective of its current operational status. The absence of adequate safety signboards was also raised as a critical concern. Advocate Padha drew the commission’s attention to previous fatal accidents that had occurred on the stretch, underscoring the potential safety risks for commuters due to insufficient signage.
The interim relief granted by the consumer commission arrives after persistent public representations and protests failed to elicit a satisfactory response from the authorities. Earlier, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kangra had communicated that the NHAI would address the public grievances within a five-day period. However, no resolution was reportedly reached following this assurance, leading to the matter being escalated to the consumer commission.
Local representatives have also voiced concerns regarding the toll hike. Dr Rajiv Bhardwaj, the Member of Parliament for Kangra, had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. He had stated his intention to personally engage with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways to advocate for a fair and equitable resolution to the issue. The ongoing situation reflects a broader debate surrounding infrastructure development, user fees, and consumer rights in the region.
The Ghatta barrier toll plaza is a crucial point along the Mataur-Shimla highway project, which aims to improve connectivity and reduce travel times between key locations in Himachal Pradesh. The project, like many large-scale infrastructure endeavors, has encountered various challenges during its execution, including land acquisition, environmental clearances, and construction-related issues. The toll rates are typically determined based on the project’s investment, maintenance costs, and concession period granted to the executing agency.
However, the public’s objection in this instance appears to stem from the perceived disparity between the charges levied and the actual level of service and operational readiness of the highway. Commuters argue that they are being asked to pay higher tolls for an incomplete or substandard service, which goes against the principles of fair trade and consumer protection. The intervention by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission signifies an acknowledgement of these grievances and a step towards ensuring accountability from the NHAI.
The commission’s directive to restore the old toll rates until October 30 allows commuters a respite while further deliberations take place. The outcome of the upcoming hearing will be keenly watched by residents, commuters, and the NHAI, as it could set a precedent for how toll hike disputes are handled in cases where public dissatisfaction is significant and concerns regarding service delivery are raised.
The National Highways Authority of India, a statutory body under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways in India. It plays a pivotal role in the country’s infrastructure growth, facilitating smoother and faster transportation across vast distances. However, its operations, including the setting of toll rates, are often subject to public scrutiny and regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Chenab Times News Desk