Pune Citizens Demand Toll Waiver At Khed Shivapur For Short Distances, Threaten Protests

Residents are requesting free access to Khed Shivapur without any toll charges, believing that it is unfair to charge a toll for a distance of 25 km out of the total 80 km.

24 May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

In a fervent plea for equitable toll charges, citizens from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are demanding toll-free passage for vehicles travelling from Sinhagad Road – Bhor phata to Khed Shivapur, covering a mere 25 km stretch without toll levies. The call for action follows instructions from the Collector, advocating for toll waivers in proximity to the Shivapur Toll Naka Bhor jurisdiction.

Aam Aadmi Party’s City President, Dhananjay Benkar, has urged the Chief Executive Officer of the National Highways Authority of India to extend concessions to vehicles bearing 14 licences. Joined by Mauli Darwatkar of the Toll Naka Hatav Action Committee, Benkar, along with AAP’s Pune City Youth President Amit Maske, General Secretary Satish Yadav and other prominent members, has issued a stern warning of protests if their demands remain unmet.

Despite the resolute stance taken by citizens, authorities have remained mum on the issue, with no official directives or announcements regarding toll waivers forthcoming. While a local pass priced at Rs 330 is available for a 20 km radius, concerns persist over the disparity between toll charges and the actual distance travelled. Pune Toll Road Pvt. Ltd, spearheaded by Amit Bhatia, is responsible for the toll collection in the region.