NHAI Terminates Contract of Toll Collection Agency for Misbehaviour with Army Personnel at Bhuni Toll Plaza

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken decisive action against a toll collection agency following an incident at Bhuni Toll Plaza. The agency's contract was terminated, and it is barred from participating in bids for one year. This decision came after the agency's staff misbehaved with army personnel earlier this month.

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In response to the incident, NHAI imposed a Rs 20 lakh penalty on the toll agency. Additionally, the performance security amounting to Rs 3.66 crore will be used for repairing or replacing damaged equipment and infrastructure at Bhuni Toll Plaza on NH-709A's Meerut-Karnal section.

Agency's Unsatisfactory Response

NHAI issued a show-cause notice to M/s Dharm Singh, the toll collecting agency, demanding an explanation for the misconduct. The response provided by the agency was deemed unsatisfactory. The agency was found guilty of violating contract terms due to staff misconduct, physical altercations, property damage, and disruption of fee collection operations.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, NHAI has instructed all toll agencies to take strict action against employees who misbehave with road users and public representatives. This directive aims to ensure that such behaviour does not recur.

Training for Better Conduct

NHAI has also mandated that all toll collection agencies provide training to their staff. This training focuses on ensuring good behaviour towards National Highway users. The goal is to foster a respectful and courteous environment at toll plazas across the country.

The state-owned authority emphasised its commitment to offering a seamless travel experience on National Highways. It stated that any unruly behaviour by toll plaza staff towards highway users is unacceptable under any circumstances.

With inputs from PTI