SHILLONG, July 19: Serious concerns have emerged over an alleged syndicate operating at the Umling Toll Plaza on the Guwahati-Shillong National Highway, with claims that certain vehicles are being allowed to bypass regular toll payments through unofficial arrangements, potentially causing significant revenue losses.
According to available information, some tourist taxi operators who frequently ply the route are allegedly being approached by individuals offering them a ‘monthly pass’. Under the alleged scheme, drivers are asked to pay between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 per month to unidentified persons in exchange for unrestricted passage through the toll plaza without paying the prescribed toll charges.
It is alleged that after making the payment, drivers are allowed to use the VIP lane, enabling them to pass through the toll gate without toll deductions that would otherwise be made through the FASTag system.
This correspondent recently overheard a person approaching a tourist taxi driver and offering such an arrangement.
The individual allegedly provided a contact number and advised the driver to speak directly with another person who would facilitate the process.
During the subsequent conversation, the unidentified person reportedly agreed to allow passage for a monthly payment of Rs 1,000 and sought an advance payment of Rs 500.
The individuals promoting the arrangement also allegedly claimed that certain organisations were aware of or permitted the movement, although no independent verification of this claim could be established.
Some drivers confirmed that many drivers have allegedly entered into similar informal arrangements, allowing them to avoid toll payments that would normally be deducted through FASTag. Instead, they reportedly use a lane designated for two-wheelers, VIPs, and exempted local vehicles from Ri-Bhoi district.
Adding to the concerns, several young men are often seen managing traffic movement in the VIP lane. It remains unclear whether they are officially authorised personnel associated with the toll plaza or individuals linked to the alleged network facilitating the unauthorised passage of vehicles.
The issue was reportedly raised last year with officials of the National Highways Authority of India, who assured that the matter would be looked into. However, according to local drivers and sources familiar with the situation, the alleged practice continues unabated.
If the allegations are found to be true, the arrangement could result in substantial revenue leakage and warrant a thorough investigation by the concerned authorities into the functioning of the toll plaza and the role of those involved.
