6 days ago
6
ARTICLE AD BOX
In a troubling development for local drivers in Sasaram and Mohania, it has come to light that they are being charged full toll fees at plazas, despite regulations allowing for a 50% discount for commercial vehicles registered in the district. This information, uncovered through a Right to Information request, points to potential mismanagement and significant unauthorized revenue collection.
Sasaram: Toll plazas on NH-219 at Sasaram and Mohania in Rohtas and Kaimur districts are allegedly violating toll collection norms prescribed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) by charging 100% toll from locally registered vehicles instead of the mandated 50% concessional rate.
The practice has reportedly resulted in the illegal collection of crores of rupees every month from local vehicle owners.The irregularity came to light through information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In its official RTI reply, the NHAI stated that commercial vehicles registered within the local district are entitled to a 50% concession on toll charges. However, NHAI project director at Sasaram, R K Verma, claimed that the 50% concession rule was not applicable at the Sasaram and Mohania toll plazas.RTI activist Amit Kumar alleged that the NHAI adopted a selective approach while replying to his application. He said that out of three questions related to toll fees for locally registered commercial vehicles at the Sasaram plaza, information was provided on only one point, while details of prescribed single-journey toll rates were withheld.Truck owner Pintu Kumar, whose vehicles are registered with the district transport office, Rohtas, said he was charged Rs 765 for a single journey at the Sasaram toll plaza despite being eligible for the concession.
“Repeated representations citing NHAI rules have yielded no response or corrective action,” he alleged. Another local transporter raised similar complaints.According to NHAI records, more than 15,000 vehicles pass daily through the Sasaram and Mohania plazas, including around 500 locally registered trucks and buses, all allegedly charged full toll. In contrast, the toll plaza on NH-319 at Babhniyawan village is implementing the 50% concession correctly. When contacted, Verma declined to comment.Amit said he has filed a first appeal under the RTI Act and is preparing legal action seeking refunds of excess toll collected.
English (US) ·