Citizen’s group demands to stop toll collection on Pune-Satara highway
Sajag Nagrik Manch, a Citizens’ group in Pune, has put a demand to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that toll collection for the 140-km highway stretch between Pune and Satara should be stopped. They believe that as only 60% of the work to widen it to six lanes has been completed the toll should not be charged.
The construction company was appointed by NHAI. The company believe that the work shall be compelted by October 2015, as per a copy of the company’s letter provided by the NHAI to activist and Manch member Sanjeevani Mahajan under the RTI Act. The company has cited various reasons for delay — trees, cultivated land, non-disbursement of compensation, encroachments and other public demands. The citizens’ group assert that it is not legal and ethical to collect toll when the work is not complete. They point out that the commuters face a lot of hardships and the diversions have increased the travel time. The group added that the toll rates on the stretch had been increased four times since October 2010. It has also demanded that an independent inquiry be initiated into the delay.
In its reply to the RTI query, NHAI replied that the firm has sought an extension till October 5, 2015, to complete the work.
Source: The Times of India
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