Karnataka HC Questions NHAI Over Alleged Illegal Toll Collection At Nagasandra Toll Plaza

The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that challenges the legality of toll collection at the Nagasandra toll plaza. The PIL claims that the toll collection period expired in 2021, yet fees are still being collected.

A Division Bench, including Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, reviewed the petition filed by A.V. Amaranathan, an advocate from Bengaluru. The petitioner argues that since 2021, crores of rupees have been collected illegally as toll fees.

Petitioner's Claims on Toll Collection

The petitioner has requested the court to direct NHAI to disclose details of all toll collections since 2021. Additionally, it is claimed that the toll plaza is within Bengaluru city limits, making its operation illegal under current regulations.

According to the petition, commuters are charged ₹40 for travelling approximately 5 km from Guruguntepalya to Nagasandra. This charge is considered excessive and unjustified given the short distance involved.

RTI Applications and Lack of Response

The petitioner also highlighted that NHAI has not responded to applications filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. These applications sought various details about toll collection and contract periods related to the Nagasandra toll plaza.

The court's notice requires NHAI to address these allegations and provide necessary clarifications regarding their continued toll collection practices at this location.

This legal development underscores ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in infrastructure management within urban areas like Bengaluru.