J&K High Court: No Toll on Poor Highways, Orders Reduction

Updated On: February 28, 2025

In a landmark judgment, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has provided major relief to commuters and pilgrims traveling to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine by directing a significant reduction in toll fees and removal of illegally placed toll plazas on National Highway-44 (NH-44).

A Division Bench (DB) comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary has ordered the withdrawal of the redistribution of toll collection between Lakhanpur and Bann Toll Plazas following the closure of Thandi Khui Toll Plaza. The changes must be implemented within a week.

Major Directives by the J&K High Court

Toll Fee Reduced to 20%

The toll fee at Lakhanpur and Bann Toll Plazas will be slashed to 20% of the previous rates until the Lakhanpur-Udhampur highway is fully operational for smooth public use.

Ban on New Toll Plazas Within 60 Km

The court strictly prohibited the establishment of any new toll plazas within a 60 km distance on NH-44. If any toll plaza already exists within this limit, it must be removed within two months.

Government Directed to Reassess Toll Charges

The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has been directed to review and slash toll fees at all toll plazas to ensure fairness. A decision on the new toll rates must be made within four months.

No Hiring of Criminals at Toll Plazas

Toll plaza contractors have been warned not to employ individuals with criminal backgrounds. Employees must undergo police verification, and local SHOs will be held accountable for violations.

Toll Collection in J&K – A Major Concern

The court raised serious concerns over excessive toll collection in Jammu & Kashmir, revealing the following shocking figures:

Bann Toll Plaza collected ₹659.54 crore (March 2015–Dec 2024)
Lakhanpur Toll Plaza collected ₹355.77 crore (July 2020–Dec 2024)
Thandi Khui Toll Plaza collected ₹227.88 crore (Oct 2019–Jan 2024)
Total toll collection at just these three plazas exceeded ₹1,243 crore!

The bench observed that toll fees must be reasonable and should not serve as a money-making mechanism for private contractors and NHAI.

Why Was This PIL Filed?

The PIL sought toll exemptions at Lakhanpur, Thandi Khui, and Bann Toll Plazas until the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway becomes fully operational.

Key issues raised in the petition:
Severe inconvenience due to ongoing highway construction
60-70% of the Pathankot-Udhampur stretch under construction since 2021
Travel time increased by 3-4 hours
Higher fuel consumption & vehicle wear and tear
Toll fees still being collected despite incomplete highways

Final Verdict – A Win for Commuters

With this ruling, the J&K High Court has taken a strong stance against unfair toll collection. It has ensured that toll fees are reasonable, no illegal toll plazas exist, and public interest is protected.

This judgment is expected to bring major relief to travelers, reduce travel costs, and improve the overall commuting experience on NH-44.