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Raghav Chadha Slams Toll Tax as "Legalised Loot," Demands Free Passage After 5-Minute Wait

AAP MP Raghav Chadha has strongly criticized the current toll tax system, calling it a form of "legalised loot." He argues that if citizens are forced to wait more than five minutes at a toll plaza, their journey should be free of charge. In response, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari outlined plans for a fully automated, camera-based toll collection system by 2026 to eliminate waiting. Chadha also questioned whether the promised high-quality, well-maintained roads are actually being delivered in return for the fees paid.

Key Points: Raghav Chadha Demands No Toll Tax for Delays Over 5 Minutes

  • AAP MP demands free toll passage if wait exceeds five minutes at plazas
  • Questions if citizens receive quality roads in exchange for toll payments
  • Cites Kerala HC shutting plazas and J&K reducing toll tax by 80%
  • Argues tolls often continue operating even after project costs are recovered
3 min read

Toll tax sometimes takes shape of legalised loot: Raghav Chadha demands no toll if citizens wait more than 5 minutes at plaza

AAP MP Raghav Chadha criticizes toll plazas as "legalised loot," demanding free passage for waits over 5 minutes and questioning road quality standards.

"Toll (tax) sometimes takes the shape of a legalised loot, and then there's the half-hour wait in line just to pay the Rs 200-300 toll. - Raghav Chadha"

New Delhi, December 17

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday asked the government not to levy toll tax if a person has to wait for more than five minutes at the toll plaza, stating that the tax "sometimes takes the shape of a legalised loot".

Raghav Chadha also raised issues regarding the toll tax during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha earlier today.

In an interview with ANI, the AAP MP said the toll tax concept requires well-maintained roads and asked whether citizens are getting good roads.

He said, "Toll (tax) sometimes takes the shape of a legalised loot, and then there's the half-hour wait in line just to pay the Rs 200-300 toll. The concept of tolls is that you get a superior, well-maintained road. But are you actually getting a good road? Are there proper lane markings, cleanliness, a proper drainage system, and adequate signage on the road? Kerala HC shut down some toll plazas while Jammu and Kashmir cut down toll tax by 80 per cent in two toll plazas."

Furthermore, he alleged that tolls continue to be charged even after covering their costs.

"When we buy a car, we pay a road and infrastructure cess. Even when we fill up with petrol, we still pay a road and infrastructure cess. Once the costs are recovered (of the road), several tolls continue to operate afterwards. And in all of this, people's time shouldn't be wasted. Highways are meant for seamless mobility and seamless connectivity. If someone has to wait at a toll plaza for more than 5 minutes, their journey should be free of charge," the AAP MP said.

Earlier today, Raghav Chadha raised the question in the Upper House of the Parliament, demanding "no toll if the wait is more than five minutes."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that citizens will not have to wait at toll plazas, as by 2026, toll payments will be deducted directly from bank accounts via a camera.

Nitin Gadkari said, "I want to assure you that by 2026, the cars will pass through (toll plazas) in no time at a speed of 80 kmph. The camera will take a picture of the number plate and Fast-tag, and the tax will be cut from the bank accounts."

"We have taken strict actions over quality (of roads), but we are only responsible for national highways, not state highways. I am not responsible for city roads and rural roads. Seventy per cent of the issues raised do not have a relation to us. For national highways, we recently decided that the contractors doing poor work will be debarred for two years. If required, we will take action against corporators under the CrPC but will not tolerate below-quality work," the Union Minister informed the Parliament.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I agree with the sentiment, the 5-minute rule seems impractical to implement. How will it be monitored? Gadkari's plan for automatic tolls by 2026 is the real solution we need. Let's focus on that tech upgrade.
A
Aman W
It's not just about the wait. He raised a valid point about paying cess on car and petrol AND then paying toll. When does the recovery end? We are being taxed multiple times for the same road.
S
Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels between Mumbai and Pune, the tolls are exorbitant. The expressway is good, but the cost is too high for the common man. The wait at the toll booths during weekends is insane. Good to see this being discussed in Parliament.
V
Vikram M
Gadkari sir's response about action against contractors is key. We need accountability. Many national highways have potholes within months of construction. Toll should mean guaranteed quality, not just a tax.
K
Kriti O
True for national highways, but what about state highways and city roads? The condition is often worse, and there's no one to answer. The whole system needs an overhaul, not just a rule for wait time.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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