Starting September 1st, drivers in Tamil Nadu will face higher toll fees at over 25 plazas across the state. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an increase in toll rates, impacting routes such as the Chennai to Bengaluru highway. The price for this trip has risen from ₹430 to ₹460. This annual toll adjustment comes amidst growing public frustration over the lack of road maintenance and infrastructure improvements, despite the substantial toll revenue generated.
The NHAI collects an estimated ₹4,221 crore annually from toll plazas in Tamil Nadu, with the Thopur plaza alone generating ₹269 crore. Despite these significant collections, concerns have been raised about the state of roads and the lack of reinvestment in maintenance. For instance, transportation activist S Kamal criticized the toll hike, highlighting incomplete road widening projects and damaged stretches, particularly around Chennai. He emphasized the need for essential repairs, including fixing potholes, especially as the monsoon season approaches. He also drew attention to unfinished stormwater drain construction, which has led to severe traffic gridlocks during past monsoons.
Residents like S Ganesh from Singaperumalkoil have expressed concern over the absence of basic infrastructure, such as adequate lighting on accident-prone stretches of the Chennai-Trichy highway. Despite numerous complaints, these issues persist while toll collections continue.
The toll hike has sparked reactions from various sectors. Traders have warned that the increased toll fees will likely lead to higher prices for essential goods. Private bus operators are also expected to increase ticket fares in response to the hike. However, toll operators maintain that despite operating for a decade, they haven’t fully recouped the costs associated with road construction and maintenance. They argue that the toll hike is necessary to cover expenses and ensure employee wages.
This controversy highlights a growing disconnect between the public’s perception of insufficient road maintenance and the NHAI’s rationale for toll increases. The situation raises questions about the transparency and effectiveness of toll revenue utilization for road infrastructure development and maintenance in Tamil Nadu.
