Public Accounts Committee reviews toll levy, road quality; NHAI addresses major concerns: KC Venugopal
New Delhi, July 15
The Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday reviewed the levy and regulation of toll fees, tariffs and user charges on public infrastructure and utilities, with discussions focusing on road safety, toll collection, construction quality and infrastructure financing.
The meeting, chaired by Congress MP and PAC Chairperson K.C. Venugopal, was attended by officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), audit authorities and other concerned organisations.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Venugopal described the discussions as productive and said the committee reviewed issues related to infrastructure development, toll collection and the quality of national highways.
On the PAC meeting held in Parliament, Committee Chairperson KC Venugopal said, "The National Highway Authority of India and the Ministry of Transport and Highways discussed the toll levy and construction quality. It was a very fruitful discussion. Earlier, we had given a report in the Parliament in which we highlighted many shortcomings on the part of design and construction. Some of the major concerns have been addressed by NHAI..."
He added, "I am glad to say that some of the major concerns have been addressed by NHAI, they told us they have given a report on it."
"Road safety discussed, tolling system discussed, quality of the road discussed, everything discussed," Venugopal said.
The committee examined the subject, "Levy and regulation of fees, tariffs, user charges, etc. on public infrastructure and other public utilities", as part of its parliamentary oversight of public expenditure and infrastructure financing.
The meeting began with a briefing by audit authorities, followed by oral evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI and other concerned organisations.
The meeting followed the PAC's previous sitting on July 2, during which the committee examined the implementation and effectiveness of centrally sponsored welfare schemes in the education sector.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see PAC taking this seriously. But I wish they'd also look at the corruption in toll contracts - how many times do we hear about companies not completing work but still collecting full fees? The common man is bearing the brunt. Hope this isn't just another photo-op meeting. 🙏
As someone who travels NH-8 regularly, I can vouch for the need for better road quality. The constant repairs and diversions cost us time and fuel. NHAI should link toll rates to road conditions - better roads, fair tolls. Simple logic. Also, why are FASTag lanes still jammed at peak hours?
Interesting discussion. In the US, toll roads usually have performance clauses in contracts. India should adopt similar models where NHAI pays contractors only if road quality standards are met. Accountability leads to better infrastructure. Glad to see parliamentary oversight actually working on this.
Venugopal ji is doing good work! But I'm tired of these "fruitful discussions" - what about action? We need concrete timelines for fixing bad roads, compensation for toll plazas that overcharge, and transparency in how toll money is spent. Show us the reports NHAI submitted!
The real issue is that toll rates keep going up but road quality doesn't. I remember when NH-44 was newly built - smooth as butter. Now it's patches everywhere. NHAI should also consider that rural roads connecting to highways are equally important for last-mile connectivity. Hope they discussed that too!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.