Local Vehicles Exempted from Toll Charges at Nazirakhat Toll Plaza

Public Outcry Leads to Toll Collection Suspension

Jorabat, Dec 31: Due to significant public backlash and persistent efforts from civil organizations, the Nazirakhat Toll Plaza management decided on Sunday to halt toll charges for local vehicles. This decision came after complaints of harassment and unjust deductions affecting residents of Dimoria.

The matter was addressed during a gathering at Jugdol Auditorium, organized by the Brihattar Dimoria Nagarik Suraksha Samiti, alongside various indigenous groups and community leaders. They raised concerns after it was reported that toll fees were being collected from local private and commercial vehicles, despite a pre-existing exemption for residents. This issue arose after Ankit Tandon Enterprises took over the toll plaza operations.

During the meeting, attendees expressed their frustrations regarding the difficulties faced by daily commuters, traders, farmers, and laborers. They questioned the recurring issues that arise whenever a new contractor is appointed and highlighted the toll gate's ongoing infrastructural deficiencies, along with the absence of a reliable system to safeguard local interests.

In response to the discussions, representatives from Ankit Tandon Enterprises confirmed that vehicle owners from Dimoria would continue to benefit from free toll access upon presenting local identification documents, such as Aadhaar cards and Registration Certificates (RCs). They also pledged to reimburse any toll fees collected from local residents in the past few days.

Vehicle owners are required to submit their documentation by January 10 to maintain uninterrupted access to the free-pass program, as stated by Ratneswar Ronghang, the Samiti leader.

The Nazirakhat Toll Gate has been a point of contention for years, with residents claiming it was established without proper planning. Although toll collection from local vehicles was previously suspended following public protests, its recent reintroduction has reignited calls for a definitive, long-term policy to prevent ongoing harassment of local commuters.