The four lane expansion work of Bhivandi-Nasik stretch of highway is yet to be completed and the contractor M/s Gammon India has started to collect Toll Tax at its Padgha Toll point. What is most horrifying is that whosoever enters highway at this point with a car is flatly charged an incredibly hefty amount of Rs. 80 ( Rs Eighty) regradless of his destination. Recently I was travelling to Shahapur, a place barely 20 km from Padgha and was shocked when asked to pay Rs. 80 by way of Toll Tax for a single journey. Another person was going to Vasind, which was just 12 km from Padgha and he too was asked to pay the same amount.

May I know from the concerned ministry by what logic thay have allowed the contractor to loot the public by imposing such a hefty and unjust Toll tax?

While fixing a toll on this stretch of Nasik highway, Government should keep in mind that it can not be modelled on Pune expressway. Firstly, Pune expressway was built entirely new from the grassroots and the old Pune highway has been kept untouched for the benefit of short distance users. Nasik highway, on the contrary, is just an expansion of the old road. For short distance users, there is no option but to use this highway. And if they have to pay such a hefty penalty
by way of toll tax, it will only be an invitation to another public backlash.