SHILLONG, Nov 12: Conflicts between commuters and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll gate employees have become a chronic problem in the state.
Stating that the public is always at the receiving end, Nongpoh MLA, Mayralborn Syiem, said, “The lessee gets a contract for only three months and by the time the issue is raised and resolved, another lessee takes over and it is back to square one”.
The NHAI toll plaza at Umling along the Umiam-Jorabat Expressway is always in the spotlight as evident from videos of altercation between commuters and toll gate employees often going viral on the social media.
The reasons behind the altercations may vary but there will always be some conflict.
Referring to the fast-track issue, Syiem said people often complain about their money being deducted more than it should.
“Even the local commercial vehicles are charged. They have no option but to pay as they have to go past the toll gate. The problem persists even after it is taken up with the lessee,” the Congress MLA said.
“The NHAI should take care of this issue to ensure that people don’t suffer. I will also take it up with them like I did in the past,” Syiem added.
Earlier, an advocate from East Jaintia Hills had sought action over alleged illegal collection from the public at the toll gate at Phramer.
The state government on many occasions had instructed the NHAI project director to ensure that nobody is harassed. The fast-track system had created a lot of problems when it was introduced at the various NHAI toll gates in the state.