Kherki Dhaula toll: A sore point between govt and citizens

Gurugram: For lakhs of Gurugram denizens who either work in Manesar or reside in new Gurugram, travelling through Kherki Dhaula has been nothing sort of a misery. Various challenges at the toll plaza have resulted in several altercations being reported. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Haryana government has decided to move the toll plaza. However, after one year of the formal announcement, the plan has hit a roadblock due to various challenges. Many, however, admit that there is a delay in moving Kherki Dhaula toll because it is a major revenue generator.

What has led to further flaring of tempers is the decision to implement a steep increase in toll rates from April 1. Now from one way, a passenger vehicle that used to pay Rs 60 will have to pay Rs 65 and heavy commercial vehicles that used to pay Rs 185 will have to pay a toll of Rs 190 one way.

Unhappy over the move, citizens have taken to social media to express their anger. Meanwhile, there is also no clarity when the Kherki Dhaula toll will be shifted to the new location. Many aggrieved residents claim that even after paying such a high price, the facilities for the commuters have reduced and the only motive is to increase the profits. The highway ambulances that used to be there earlier have also been removed, claim the commuters. As per an estimate, over two lakh vehicles pass through the toll daily.

"Traffic jam and discourteous staff have now become a major feature at the Kherki Dhaula toll plaza. It is surprising that even after so much of anger against the toll plaza, why the government is taking such an extreme step of increasing the toll. They should rather expedite the steps to move the toll plaza quickly," said Vikas Yadav, a city resident. In the past, there have been incidents of physical violence between the staff and the commuters. Not only the male staffers but even female employees have been physically targeted.

While the 65-acre area of Sehrawan had been earmarked for the relocation of the toll plaza, the officials of National Highway Authority Limited (NHAI) have now expressed dissatisfaction over the new location. It has come to notice that the new location forms a vital part of green belt area of Aravallis that consists various wildlife animals including leopards.