The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to suspend the collection of user fee at the Sanwara Toll Plaza on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway-5 in Solan district from September 20 to October 30, citing poor road conditions and lack of adequate facilities.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Utansh Monga of Una district.
Advocate Ganesh Barowalia, representing the petitioner, said the bench took a stern view of the dilapidated condition of the highway, particularly at Chakki Mor, a stretch frequently affected by closures and massive traffic jams. The court directed that toll collection be halted until a status report is submitted by NHAI on October 30. The detailed order is yet to be uploaded.
During a previous hearing on August 28, the court had expressed concern that the road at Chakki Mor remained closed on more than three occasions in July and August, forcing one-way traffic and causing 5-km-long traffic snarls on either side. The bench had warned NHAI that toll collection could be suspended if corrective steps were not urgently taken.
Anand Dhaiya, Project Director, Kalka-Shimla National Highway, said that the authority had not yet received a copy of the order.
The PIL highlighted the difficulties faced by commuters and questioned the legitimacy of toll collection when the road was in such poor condition. The suspension of toll collection is expected to provide temporary relief to travelers while pushing NHAI to expedite repair and maintenance work on the key highway connecting Shimla and Kalka.
The matter will now be reviewed on October 30 when the status report is filed before the High Court.
