In a session held in the Rajya Sabha, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the government’s commitment to refraining from constructing toll plazas within a 6-7 km radius of urban centres and industrial zones according to a report by The Economic Times.

This decision is aimed at easing the burden on residents and the working populace.

Furthermore, Gadkari emphasised the government’s efforts to implement GPS-based tolling on National Highways before the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill comes into effect.

Responding to a supplementary question from a BJP Member of Parliament regarding challenges faced by residents in Visakhapatnam due to a nearby toll plaza, Gadkari acknowledged the issue, particularly on certain road stretches.

He also highlighted past decisions during the UPA government’s tenure that permitted toll plaza installations near urban areas, leading to toll collection responsibilities being outsourced to private entities.

Gadkari noted the complications involved in terminating these contracts, as it would entail compensatory payouts.

Consequently, individuals commuting short distances for work were burdened with toll charges.

Gadkari assured that the government is actively ensuring that toll plazas are situated beyond a 6-7 km radius of cities to alleviate such financial burdens on local populations.