Concerns Rise Over Toll Collection and Infrastructure Issues on National Highway-27
Infrastructure Development Under Scrutiny
File image of Manderdisa Toll Plaza in Dima Hasao (Photo: Meta)
Hojai, June 6: As the nation pushes forward with infrastructure enhancements, particularly the swift modernization of National Highways, serious doubts are emerging regarding the actual benefits to the public.
Despite a steady increase in toll fees, the reality on the ground in various areas tells a contrasting story. A prominent example is the Manderdisa toll gate located on National Highway-27 in Dima Hasao district, close to Lumding.
This toll gate is the sole one in Dima Hasao district, operating continuously for toll collection. Local commuters are obliged to pay these fees regularly. However, the revenue generated does not seem to translate into adequate infrastructure improvements.
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), it is essential to provide sufficient street lighting for at least one kilometer on both sides of every toll plaza.
Regrettably, this guideline has been entirely ignored at the Manderdisa toll plaza. The lack of proper lighting has raised significant safety concerns for those traveling daily.
It is important to note that around 8 to 9 years ago, during the construction of this highway, street light poles were erected along both sides of the road.
However, these poles remain non-functional, serving as a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises of development. After sunset, the entire area is engulfed in darkness.
This absence of lighting creates serious hazards, particularly for nighttime travelers. The highway traverses hilly regions with narrow, winding roads, where visibility is crucial.
Without adequate lighting, the risk of accidents escalates. Local drivers report that navigating this stretch at night is extremely challenging, with limited visibility to assess road conditions.
The unexpected presence of wildlife on the road further compounds the danger, making the journey even riskier.
In addition to the lighting issue, many sections of National Highway-27 are in a state of disrepair. Potholes, damaged surfaces, and broken patches have made travel increasingly perilous.
The situation deteriorates during the rainy season when water fills the potholes, rendering them nearly invisible and significantly heightening the risk of accidents.
In light of these ongoing challenges, local residents and various organizations have united to demand immediate action.
They are calling on authorities to activate the street lights without delay and to conduct urgent repairs on the damaged road sections. They argue that merely collecting tolls is insufficient unless the safety and convenience of the public are prioritized.
The pressing question remains: will the authorities respond swiftly to this issue, or will this long-standing problem continue to be overlooked like many others? The upcoming days will determine whether accountability will finally be enforced.