Sahil Verma
Jammu Tawi: In a blatant disregard for judicial authority, toll plazas at Bann and Lakhanpur in Jammu region continue to levy exorbitant toll fees on commuters, defying a recent High Court mandate to reduce toll charges by 80% due to the deplorable condition of National Highway-44 (NH-44).
On 25th February, 2025, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), directed the Ministry of Transport, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and related authorities to slash toll fees at Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas to 20% of the rates prevalent before January 26, 2024. This order was to remain effective until NH-44, particularly the stretch from Lakhanpur to Udhampur, is fully operational and safe for commuters.
The court underscored that tolls are intended to provide users with well-maintained infrastructure. It deemed it unjust to collect full tolls when the highway is in a deteriorated state, making travel uncomfortable and hazardous. The bench emphasized that charging hefty tolls for substandard roads violates the principle of fair service.
Despite the clear directive, reports indicate that both Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas continue to collect tolls at the previous, higher rates. This non-compliance not only burdens daily commuters but also affects the millions of pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, who are forced to pay unjust tolls for using poorly maintained sections of NH-44.
The situation worsened following the closure of the Sarora Toll Plaza on January 26, 2024. Instead of providing relief, authorities redistributed the toll influence area between Lakhanpur and Bann plazas, leading to increased toll rates at these points. This adjustment was ostensibly made to compensate for revenue losses from the Thandikhui closure, further straining commuters financially.
The NAHI road stretch from Lakhanpur to Udhampur, remains in a highly dilapidated condition due to ongoing construction of Katra Amritsar Delhi Expressway. Commuters face numerous diversions, potholes, and ongoing construction, making travel arduous and unsafe. The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has previously stated that collecting tolls is unjustifiable if highways are not in good condition or up to standard, as it causes undue hardship to the public.
In this regard, a delegation of social organization ‘Movement Kalki,’ led by Advisory Board Members Pritam Sharma and Sumeshwar Kohli Advocate met with the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu and submitted a memorandum complaining about the illegal toll collection at Lakhanpur and Bann Toll Plazas. The members threatened to initiate a mass agitation if the authorities fail to take necessary action, emphasizing that the government must protect public rights and ensure strict compliance with court orders.
The continued collection of full tolls, despite the High Court’s explicit orders, raises serious concerns about administrative oversight and the rule of law. It is imperative for the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport and NHAI, to enforce the court’s directives promptly. Immediate action should be taken at the Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas to ensure compliance. Such measures would provide much-needed relief to commuters and restore public confidence in the system.
