By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 18 Apr: The Lachhiwala Toll Plaza, situated on the Dehradun-Haridwar National Highway, has come under renewed public scrutiny following revelations under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the substantial revenue collected over the past four years, alongside persistent allegations of harassment and misbehaviour by toll plaza personnel. Meanwhile there are reports to indicate that the toll tax at Lachhiwala was hiked once just this month.
According to official data received through an RTI query by senior journalist Raju Gusain of Dehradun, the Lachhiwala Toll Plaza had collected a revenue of Rs 35 crores in the financial year 2021–22 when it was made operational. This figure quickly surged to Rs 56.96 crore in 2022–23, further rising to Rs 63.85 crore in 2023–24. The current financial year 2024–25 has already witnessed collections amounting to Rs 72.53 crore, signalling a sharp and consistent increase in toll revenues year after year.
However, while the revenue figures speak of a thriving collection mechanism, the local residents and regular commuters have repeatedly raised concerns over the alleged high-handedness of toll plaza staff. Several complaints have surfaced over the years, accusing the personnel of misbehaviour, unnecessary delays, and even physical altercations with members of the public.
There have been specific incidents in the recent past wherein commuters reported being subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation when questioning toll charges or seeking clarifications. In certain instances, video footage circulated on social media has shown aggressive conduct by staff members, further fuelling public resentment. The current toll tax one way for the cars and LMVs passing from there is Rs 110, while it was just Rs 40 in the year 2021. According to the locals, many people have to travel locally to the industrial area in Lal Tappad and other areas on a daily basis and this amount becomes too much for them.
They further allege that the toll plaza has become a site of routine harassment, particularly for residents of nearby areas who are forced to pass through frequently. They claim that despite being locals, they face daily humiliation and are often forced to pay full toll even when entitled to exemptions.
The growing discontent has prompted civic groups and legal activists to demand greater transparency and accountability from the private concessionaire managing the toll operations. Despite the mounting allegations, there has been little visible action from the authorities. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under whose jurisdiction the toll plaza operates, has not yet issued any public statement in response to these complaints.
