CHENNAI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has not extended the waiver on toll fee in Tamil Nadu that was provided after the unprecedented rains and floods.
According to NHAI regional officer for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, V Chinna Reddy, the toll waiver has not been extended. There are about 46 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu, which collect over `4 crores everyday, official sources said.
The waiver came into effect on December 4 after rains battered several parts of the State. It was extended on December 11 till the midnight of December 18. Vehicles ferrying relief materials from other States to Tamil Nadu were also exempted from toll in their respective States.
The NHAI move has dismayed the truckers association, who wanted the Centre to extend the waiver for a few months as several stretches of the National Highways remained damaged.
R Sugumar, president, Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Federation said, the decision not to give a second extension disappointed truckers in the State. “Several portions of the National Highways are dilapidated after the deluge. Why should we pay toll for such roads?” he wondered. He wanted the authorities to consider a toll concession at least on those badly damaged portions. He said relief materials were still being brought in.