People who are opposing the toll plaza hold that it is located just 10 kilometers away from the Lakhanpur Toll Plaza, which is already collecting toll from motorists.
They also highlight that the Tarnah Bridge, which is located near the Sarore Toll Plaza, is currently under repair. This has caused traffic to be diverted to a longer and poorer quality road, which has increased the travel time and inconvenience for motorists.
The administration has responded by engaging with the National Highways Authority of India and its team is expected to be in Jammu on Saturday to assess the situation and discuss any possible waivers with the Jammu administration.
Who else is resenting this new toll move?
The protest has been going on for several days and has gathered support from a wide range of people, including traders, farmers, and political parties.
Besides the Jammu Bar Association, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yuva Rajput Sabha, traders, farmers, political parties and general public have joined the protest.
What the protesters are demanding:
Protestors are demanding the removal of the Sarore Toll Plaza, compensation for the inconvenience caused by the diversion of traffic and action against the officials responsible for setting up the toll plaza illegally.
How are political parties positioned on the issue?
These leaders and parties have argued that the toll plaza is illegal, unnecessary, and burdensome to the people of Jammu. They have demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir government immediately remove the toll plaza.
How is J&K administration responding to this situation?
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has said that he is “sensitive” to the concerns of the people and that the government is “considering all options”.
The administration has responded by engaging with the National Highways Authority of India and its team is expected to be in Jammu on Saturday to assess the situation and discuss any possible waivers with the Jammu administration.
On the other hand, there are some sections in the administration who maintain that under the new highway development arrangement, users are supposed to pay for the services as per the user-pay-principle.
What are the existing toll charges on Lakhanpur-Srinagar Highway?
Lakhanpur Toll Plaza
Car/Jeep/Van: Rs. 100 (single journey), Rs. 155 (return journey), Rs. 3405 (monthly pass)
LCV: Rs. 165 (single journey), Rs. 250 (return journey), Rs. 5505 (monthly pass)
Bus/Truck: Rs. 345 (single journey), Rs. 520 (return journey), Rs. 11530 (monthly pass)
Upto 3 Axle Vehicle: Rs. 375 (single journey), Rs. 565 (return journey), Rs. 12575 (monthly pass)
4 to 6 Axle: Rs. 540 (single journey), Rs. 815 (return journey), Rs. 18080 (monthly pass)
HCM/EME: Rs. 540 (single journey), Rs. 815 (return journey), Rs. 18080 (monthly pass)
7 or more Axle: Rs. 660 (single journey), Rs. 990 (return journey), Rs. 22010 (monthly pass)
Thandikhui Toll Plaza
Car/Jeep/Van: Rs. 85 (single journey), Rs. 125 (return journey), Rs. 2750 (monthly pass)
LCV: Rs. 135 (single journey), Rs. 200 (return journey), Rs. 4445 (monthly pass)
Bus/Truck: Rs. 280 (single journey), Rs. 420 (return journey), Rs. 9315 (monthly pass)
Upto 3 Axle Vehicle: Rs. 305 (single journey), Rs. 455 (return journey), Rs. 10160 (monthly pass)
4 to 6 Axle: Rs. 440 (single journey), Rs. 655 (return journey), Rs. 14605 (monthly pass)
HCM/EME: Rs. 440 (single journey), Rs. 655 (return journey), Rs. 14160 (monthly pass)
7 or more Axle: Rs. 535 (single journey), Rs. 800 (return journey), Rs. 17780 (monthly pass)
These charges are effective from April 1, 2023 and are subject to change.
Comments are closed.