NHAI suspends contractor’s tolling rights
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

NHAI suspends contractor’s tolling rights

After suspending tolling rights of Panipat-Jalandhar NH-1 Pvt Ltd ( formerly called Soma Isolux NH-1 Tollway Pvt Ltd) on account of multiple defaults regarding operation and maintenance, payment of authority share in fee collected, street lighting , completion of balance work, signage, and failure to improve safety standards, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took over the tolling on the 291 km NH 1 stretch.

As reported by NHAI officials, around 900 people lost their lives and 12,721 were left injured on this stretch in the past seven years.The six-laning of the stretch has thus been delayed by nine years.

NHAI had awarded the work for widening the stretch to the developer in May 2008. This was scheduled for completion in November, 2011 and the provisional approval for toll collection was issued in September, 2015. Currently, 3% work involving around Rs 300 crore is yet to be completed, as reported by officials.

Road accidents on National Highways claimed 53,892 lives, approximately 36% of the 1.51 lakh road fatalities in India in 2019.

The government is looking forward to collecting 100% toll charges on national highways via FASTags, commencing from 1 January 2021 in order to get rid of cash transactions. As of now, almost 75% of toll payments are made through FASTags and only one lane at toll plazas accept cash.

After suspending tolling rights of Panipat-Jalandhar NH-1 Pvt Ltd ( formerly called Soma Isolux NH-1 Tollway Pvt Ltd) on account of multiple defaults regarding operation and maintenance, payment of authority share in fee collected, street lighting , completion of balance work, signage, and failure to improve safety standards, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took over the tolling on the 291 km NH 1 stretch. As reported by NHAI officials, around 900 people lost their lives and 12,721 were left injured on this stretch in the past seven years.The six-laning of the stretch has thus been delayed by nine years. NHAI had awarded the work for widening the stretch to the developer in May 2008. This was scheduled for completion in November, 2011 and the provisional approval for toll collection was issued in September, 2015. Currently, 3% work involving around Rs 300 crore is yet to be completed, as reported by officials. Road accidents on National Highways claimed 53,892 lives, approximately 36% of the 1.51 lakh road fatalities in India in 2019. The government is looking forward to collecting 100% toll charges on national highways via FASTags, commencing from 1 January 2021 in order to get rid of cash transactions. As of now, almost 75% of toll payments are made through FASTags and only one lane at toll plazas accept cash.

Next Story
Real Estate

Dharavi Rising

Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement, stands on the cusp of a historic transformation. With an ambitious urban renewal project finally taking shape, millions of residents are looking ahead with hope. But delivering a project of this scale brings immense challenges – from land acquisition to rehabilitate ineligible residents outside Dharavi and rehabilitation to infrastructure development. It also requires balancing commercial goals with deep-rooted social impact. At the helm is SVR Srinivas, IAS, CEO & Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), Government..

Next Story
Real Estate

MLDL Records 20.4% Growth in Pre-Sales

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. In line with INDAS 115, the company recognises revenues using the completion of contract method. Key highlights FY25: Consolidated sales (Residential and IC&IC) of Rs 32.99 billion. Gross development value (GDV) additions in FY25 were Rs 1.81 trillion compared to Rs 440 billion in FY24 (~4x growth). Residential pre-sales of Rs 28.04 billion in FY25, reflecting 20.4% growth o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UCSL Delivers India's First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway

In a landmark achievement for Indian shipbuilding and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered the first of six next-generation green cargo vessels to Norway-based Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping operator. The 3,800 DWT vessel, named Wilson Eco 1, was handed over during a ceremony at New Mangalore Port. The delivery is part of a Rs 5.06 billion project supported by Norway’s green maritime funding programme, marking India's entry into the European eco-friendly ca..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?