Umiam-Jorabat Expressway
SHILLONG: The toll plaza located on the Umiam-Jorabat expressway, which began operations recently, has already caused much annoyance to vehicle owners due to the “exorbitant rates charged” from the four wheelers passing by.
While private and commercial vehicles are charged Rs 55 for one way travel per vehicle, a journey beyond and back costs Rs 85 given the vehicle returns the same day.
“A rate of Rs 20 per vehicle would have been ideal,” felt a vehicle owner even as some others found it rather strange to see the toll plaza being made operational even before the entire stretch of the Umiam-Jorabat express highway was completed.
The Umsning stretch of the road is expected to be completed only sometime next year.
The decision to charge the same amount from both private and commercial vehicles has also come under severe criticism.
There is also criticism from several quarters about the company manning the toll plaza for not advertising different rates for various vehicles passing through the plaza.
Scarcity of 5 rupee coins is also causing misery to the drivers who have to pay the Rs 55 or Rs 85 toll fee as per their requirement.
When contacted, an NHAI official said that the rates are being charged as per the guidelines of Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways.
“The rates are decided by Delhi and we don’t have any say on the matter,” the official said adding that the toll is being charged only for the completed stretch of the project.
It may be mentioned that both the Central and State Government vehicles are exempted from paying toll fee.