People forced to pay toll at shorter distances: Selja

Congress leader and MP Kumari Selja has raised concerns over the irregularities in toll plaza distances and the mismanagement of highway drainage systems. In a statement, she highlighted how government regulations are being ignored, causing public dissatisfaction and financial strain.

Selja said she had questioned the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in Parliament about toll plazas between Rohtak and Dabwali. As per the rules, there must be a minimum of 60 km between two toll plazas. However, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's response showed that except for the Rohad toll (63.49 km from the previous toll), all others, including Madina (41.81 km), Ramayana (57 km), Landhari (57 km), Bhavdeen (43.735 km), and Khuia Malkana (43.925 km), violate this rule.

“This blatant violation of rules shows how the government exploits the public. Vehicle owners are forced to pay tolls at shorter intervals, which is unfair. In tough economic times, the government should provide relief, not add to people's burden,” she said. She demanded a remapping of all toll plazas on this route and the removal of those not complying with the 60-km rule.

Selja also criticised the ineffective drainage system along highways. Responding to her query, the ministry stated that 41 km of drainage channels had been constructed along the Hisar-Dabwali stretch, costing Rs 61 crore. However, Selja claimed the drains are dysfunctional, with broken slabs and no proper water discharge arrangements.

"Rainwater management is a critical issue, yet the government has wasted crores without any functional outcome. This warrants an immediate investigation," she asserted.

Selja urged the government to take corrective measures on both issues to restore public trust and ensure fair governance.