Supreme Court Questions Delhi Toll Plazas: Environmental Impact and Traffic Crisis at City Borders

The Supreme Court's intervention was prompted by the problematic toll plaza situation at the Delhi-Gurgaon border.

New Delhi:

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a stern notice to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and severely criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the operation of toll plazas at major entry points to the national capital, especially along the Delhi-Gurgaon border. The court stated that these toll booths were causing extensive traffic congestion lasting hours, exacerbating air pollution, and creating unnecessary hardship for the public.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned the logic behind continuing to collect tolls at congested urban borders and asked civic authorities why they couldn't suspend toll collection until January 31 next year, when pollution levels reach their peak.

"We are not against tolls," the Chief Justice remarked during the hearing. "But you must find a way so that there is no toll till January 31. Tomorrow, will you put a toll plaza in Connaught Place as well, just because you need money?"

Addressing the MCD, the court indicated it would investigate how much revenue was actually being generated from toll plazas and how much was being allocated to highway maintenance and related infrastructure.

"We will check how much you earn from these toll plazas and how much you spend on maintaining highways," the court informed the civic body, indicating a comprehensive audit of toll-related finances might be forthcoming.

The Chief Justice added that while the court lacked exact figures on MCD's income from tolls, it was clear that the toll plazas were "definitely generating a lot of litigation," highlighting the numerous legal challenges and public complaints surrounding toll operations in Delhi.

The immediate catalyst for the court's involvement was the situation at toll plazas on the Delhi-Gurgaon border, where vehicles often remain stranded for hours. The resulting extensive queues, the court was informed, have become a regular source of massive traffic jams and contribute to deteriorating air quality in the capital region.

"Why can't Gurugram toll be shut till January?" the Supreme Court inquired, adding that "air purifiers are not the solution."

The bench was notified that congestion at these toll points leads to idling vehicles, increased emissions, and growing frustration among commuters, many of whom avoid travel altogether due to fear of being stuck for extended periods.

"People do not go to attend functions because they are afraid of the traffic," the Chief Justice observed. "Vehicles are stranded there only because of the toll plaza."

The court expressed particular concern that such congestion continues even during periods of high pollution, when restrictions on vehicular movement are otherwise imposed for public health reasons.

The Supreme Court asked the NHAI to consider whether the nine toll collection booths currently operated by the MCD in Delhi could be relocated to locations managed by the highway authority.

Under the court's proposal, NHAI could collect tolls at alternative points and allocate a portion of the revenue to the MCD to compensate for any potential financial losses during the temporary suspension of toll collection at the city borders.