Tamil Nadu Toll Collections Soar to Rs 4,221 Crore Amid Calls for Plaza Closures!
Posted on: 01/Aug/2024 10:52:53 AM
Despite promises by major political parties in Tamil Nadu to close toll plazas on National Highways, toll collections reached Rs 4,221 crore in 2023-24, up 10% from Rs 3,817 crore in 2022-23. The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways shared this data in the Rajya Sabha, noting a 61% increase from Rs 2,610 crore in 2019-20.
Tamil Nadu has 67 toll plazas, with 15 added in the past five years. The state ranks fifth in toll collections, following Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The L&T Krishnagiri Thopur and Krishnagiri toll plazas ranked 8th and 15th nationally, collecting Rs 269 crore and Rs 257 crore, respectively.
In the recent Lok Sabha polls, parties including DMK, AIADMK, and others, except BJP, pledged to close these toll plazas. DMK MP P Wilson has called for their abolition, proposing a one-time fee at vehicle registration and an independent audit of toll plaza investments and collections.
S Yuvaraj, president of the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners’ Federation, highlighted that 32 toll plazas have recovered their project costs but still collect full fees, violating NH Fee Rules. He urged the state government to reduce fees or take over the roads from NHAI. He also criticized NHAI for not improving road safety, noting that NH roads account for 52% of accidents in TN.
