NHAI Suspends 14 Agencies for Toll Plaza Fee Irregularities
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Synopsis
In a decisive step to improve user fee collection, the NHAI has barred 14 agencies for irregularities at toll plazas. This measure includes the forfeiture of over Rs. 100 crore in performance securities and a commitment to uphold stringent operational standards.
Key Takeaways
- NHAI has suspended 14 agencies for toll collection discrepancies.
- Over Rs. 100 crore in securities have been forfeited.
- Agencies banned for two years due to contract violations.
- New agencies will manage the affected toll plazas.
- NHAI emphasizes zero tolerance for operational lapses.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance user fee collection, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially banned 14 user fee collection agencies due to irregular practices at various toll plazas.
The Performance Securities exceeding Rs. 100 crore from the non-compliant agencies have been seized and are currently being liquidated for breaching their contractual obligations.
As reported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, operations were carried out at the Atraila Shiv Ghulam Toll Plaza located in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh by the UP Special Task Force.
Following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR), NHAI swiftly responded by issuing a Show Cause Notice to the implicated agencies.
The responses provided by the fee collection agencies were deemed unsatisfactory.
These agencies have been barred for a duration of two years for contravening the stipulations of their contract.
To ensure uninterrupted operations at the toll plazas previously overseen by the suspended agencies, NHAI will notify these agencies to transfer management to a new entity designated by the authority.
NHAI emphasized its commitment to uphold the highest standards in highway management, asserting that any infractions will face strict repercussions. Penalties will be imposed on defaulters, leading to their exclusion from future NHAI projects.
Recent government statistics reveal that the average yearly construction of National Highways has surged by an astonishing 130 percent from 2014 to 2024 compared to the preceding decade from 2004 to 2014, resulting in the total length of new highways over the past ten years reaching 1,01,900 kms.
Currently, 1,366 projects covering approximately 32,366 km are under development nationwide, including regions such as Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and various northeastern states, according to government reports.
