Kumhari toll plaza, a source of frustration for many drivers and local residents, was originally supposed to be closed many years ago. Despite this, the toll plaza continues to operate, charging increased fees since the Congress government came to power. The reasons for the continued charging of tolls at Kumhari are unclear and remain a mystery to many. The roads leading up to and away from the toll plaza are in poor condition and have not been repaired, causing many local residents to avoid paying the toll by using the VIP lane.
Recently, there have been reports of unethical practices at the VIP lane, where attendants have stopped checking for driver IDs and instead have been manually noting down random vehicle numbers and charging them tolls. This practice cannot be justified by the argument that the vehicles were not paying tolls anyway. This new tactic is both embarrassing and likely to cause problems in the upcoming elections. Paying tolls for well-constructed roads is one thing, but secretly charging tolls without consent is another.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other concerned authorities must take action to address this issue and put an end to such practices. It is also hoped that the Kumhari Toll plaza will be shut down completely, as it serves no purpose and has outlived its intended use. The continued operation of the toll plaza is a source of frustration and inconvenience for many, and it is time for it to be closed permanently. The road conditions need to be improved and people should not be charged without any clear reason or justification. The government must also ensure that the toll fee is reasonable and not exorbitant. It is the duty of the government to provide good facilities to the citizens and ensure their welfare.
