NHAI Finally Orders Removal of Thandikhui Toll Plaza, Revises Rates of Lakhanpur & Ban Toll Plazas

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

Srinagar: After several months of demand by people cutting across different sections of society, the National Highway Authority of India has finally removed the Thandikhui toll plaza even as revising the rates of Lakhanpur and Ban toll plaza.

In an order, the NHAI said, that, “whereas gazette notification bearing S.O. S.O. 302(E) dated 19.01.2024 has been issued in supersession to the earlier toll notifications for Thandikhui Fee Plaza & Lakhanpur Fee Plaza, wherein the influence length of Lakhanpur & Ban fee plazas have been increased so as to eliminate the requirement of Thandikhui fee plaza. Whereas 7-day notice for termination of user fee collection (tolling) contract dated 31.01.2023 with Fee Collection Agency was issued with approval of Competent Authority in accordance with Clause 35(2) of the tolling contract vide this office letter cited at Ref (2). The Fee collection agency of Thandikhui fee plaza has accepted the termination notice and submitted their willingness to terminate tolling w.e.f 0800 Hrs on 26.01.2024 vide their office letter cited at Ref (1).”

Therefore, the order reads, the Fee Collection at Thandikhui Fee Plaza to be terminated simultaneously with rate revision at Lakhanpur Fee Plaza and Ban Fee Plaza as per approval accorded by RO NHAI, Jammu w.e.f. 0800 Hrs on 26.01.2024. Fee Collection contract dated 31.01.2023 with M/s Ridhi Sidhi Associates shall be deemed to be terminated w.e.f 0800 Hrs on 26.01.2024. Revised user fee rates, approved by Competent Authority shall be applicable at LAKHANPUR FEE PLAZA w.e.f. 0800 Hrs on 26.01.2024″, reads the order further.

Pertinent to mention here that the people in Jammu alongside many political leaders, especially from the Apni Party, had been actively voicing its concern over the installation of the toll plaza and the uncalled hike in the rates at Lakhanpur and Ban toll plazas.