Boom barriers forced open at Kherki Dhaula toll plaza

More than 400 demonstrators gathered at the site and forced the toll booms open for around 30 minutes causing a revenue loss to the tune of around Rs 60,000 to DS Constructions. Company sources said around 1,400 vehicles were allowed to pass for free during the demonstration.

“There cannot be two tolls at such a short distance and that is why we want removal of one of them. We have decided to organise a similar and massive demonstration at the Sirhaul toll also on January 29 where 10,000 supporters are expected to come,” said Attar Singh,convener of the Samiti.

According to the demonstrators,the two toll plazas are only 20 kilometres apart while the distance should be around 60-65 km. They also complained that there were long queues of vehicles because of the toll and traffic came to a standstill for the people living in Gurgaon.

Moreover,the Samiti claims,according to the agreement between the government and the concessionaire,the vehicles should be passed within a minimal time,which is not being maintained,but DS Constructions has turned a blind eye towards the issue.

The spokesperson of Delhi-Gurgaon Super Connectivity Ltd,meanwhile,said the demonstrators demanded a joint meeting with all relevant stakeholders,including the concessionaire,NHAI and the independent consultant,to understand and resolve the outstanding issues.

“The concessionaire welcomes the suggestion of the joint meeting and would urge the NHAI to convene the same at the earliest,” said the spokesperson.

The company said it was committed to the safety and convenience of commuters on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway,adding that both the KM 24 toll plaza at Sirhaul and the KM 42 toll plaza at Khirki Dhaula had been built at locations approved and specified by the NHAI under the Concession Agreement.