DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Feb 3
Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K, today welcomed the closure of Toll Plaza at Sarore by the National Highway Authority of India with effect from 26 January, 2024, but at the same time criticised the simultaneous announcement of hike in user fee rates at Lakhanpur and Ban toll plazas.
While addressing a meeting of working committee of Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K, here today, Th Gulchain Singh Charak, former Cabinet Minister & President of the Sabha, said that the ‘carrot and stick’ policy of the Authority in this regard was not in conformity with the people friendly approach that a government should reflect.
Shri Charak said that where as the scrapping of toll plaza at Sarore was a due, although belated, recognition of the public demand, enhancement of toll fees at Lakhanpur and Ban was in no way justified.
Shri Charak said that the extremely poor condition of a number of segments of the National Highway NH-44, particularly between Jammu and Kathua has made it very much uncomfortable for the commuters to travel on these stretches. Not only the inconvenience caused due to the damages to Tarnah Bridge, but also the ongoing construction of the flyover on this strategic and the most vital highway, has immensely prolonged the travel time. Condition of the causeway near the Tarnah Bridge and even all along the highway, is very poor, particularly for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV). The number of potholes which have taken the shape of hazardous craters at several places, are causing frequent accidents, damage to vehicles and reducing their lifespan.
Sh Charak said that although the Toll tax is a means to generate funds for repairing and maintaining road infrastructure, but for the last several years, the road and flyover construction in this segment is going on without any respite. Plying of vehicles on this highway has become increasingly risky and damaging to men and material (the vehicles). As such, there is no justification in overburdening the commuters through increase in the rates of this tax. Moreover, he said that the hike in the fees is a dis-incentive for the visitors to Jammu, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra etc.
While thanking the NHAI and the government for closing down the Toll plaza at Sarore, Shri Gulchain Singh Charak urged upon the government and concerned highway authorities to ensure elimination of the ever-increasing potholes and craters and also emphasized to fully black top the road immediately to provide desirable services to the commuters. He also demanded a review of the escalation in the Ban and Lakhanpur Toll plaza fees and to scrap the increased rates.
