States Losses from Toll Plaza Closures Over Several Years
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has formally asked the Punjab government to compensate for a ₹1,638.85 crore toll revenue shortfall, which the Centre says stemmed from prolonged protest-related toll plaza shutdowns in the state.
In a letter addressed to Punjab’s Chief Secretary, Ministry Secretary V. Umashankar detailed the financial impact of the closures, attributing the losses to repeated disruptions across multiple years. The breakdown includes:
- ₹1,348.77 crore (Oct 2020 – Dec 2021)
- ₹41.83 crore (2022–2023)
- ₹179.10 crore (Jan – July 2024)
- ₹69.15 crore (Oct – Nov 2024)
Centre Cites National Loss, Seeks Accountability
The Centre highlighted that toll revenues go into the Consolidated Fund of India. Therefore, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) must now reimburse toll operators. The Ministry argues this liability should fall on Punjab.
The letter expressed concern over repeated, forceful toll plaza closures. It urged the Punjab government to take steps to avoid future disruptions. It emphasized that uninterrupted toll collection is vital to maintaining national infrastructure and economic progress.
Toll Operations Halted Despite Highway Benefits
The Ministry stated that 24 toll plazas in Punjab were non-operational from October 17 to November 13, 2024. They resumed operations only after judicial intervention. The letter also referenced benefits derived from national highway development. These benefits include better connectivity and industrial growth. This was used to reinforce the importance of stable toll operations.
Punjab Responds: Centre Should Take Responsibility
In response, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained the toll closures. They resulted from widespread farmers’ protests against central policies. He argued that the central government should bear the financial burden, not the state.
