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Rs 265 toll for 80-km Panipat-Rohtak link!
Tribune News Service

Rohtak, January 10
Local residents and frequent commuters went on a rampage and damaged the toll tax barrier at Makdauli village on the outskirts of Rohtak town to protest against imposition of steep toll tax on the Rohtak-Panipat road.

A toll plaza on the Rohtak-Panipat stretch. A Tribune photo

Commuters travelling by light vehicles (such as car and jeep) have been shelling out Rs 155 at the Makdauli toll barrier for a return journey that must be completed in 24 hours. Similarly, they are required to pay Rs 110 at Dahar village in Panipat district for a return trip. Both toll plazas began operations from the intervening night of Wednesday-Thursday.

The 30-km return trip between Rohtak and Gohana will set you back by Rs 155. Commuters travelling between Rohtak and Panipat, a distance of around 80 km, have to pay toll tax both at Makdauli and Dahar, a whopping Rs 265 for a return journey.

Shortly after toll operations commenced, angry villagers protested the “exorbitant” tax yesterday and today and smashed the toll plaza barrier at Makdauli. The toll plaza management said concessional monthly passes would be issued to villagers within a couple of days.

Commuters using public transport also have to pay more, as Haryana Roadways has hiked bus fare due to imposition of toll-tax.

Vinod Bansal, a local merchant, said the exorbitant toll tax would only put excessive financial burden on small traders and others who routinely commute on the route.