In a significant ruling favoring travelers on National Highway-44 (NH-44), the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has ordered a drastic cut in toll fees at two plazas along the under-construction highway. The court ruled that only 20% of the standard toll may be charged until the road is fully restored, emphasizing that toll payments should reflect the quality of service provided to commuters.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice MA Choudhary made it clear that forcing drivers to pay full toll on a highway riddled with potholes, diversions, and ongoing construction is both unjust and a violation of fair service principles. The ruling came in response to a public interest plea demanding relief for motorists navigating NH-44 from Punjab (Pathankot) to Jammu (Udhampur), a stretch currently undergoing major redevelopment under the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project.
Court Slams Poor Road Conditions and Unfair Charges
The court noted that the authorities had openly admitted to the deteriorated state of NH-44, where four-lane sections had been reduced to single lanes, with temporary dirt tracks serving as alternate routes. It criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for continuing to collect tolls despite the highway’s substandard condition, pointing out that drivers were essentially paying for a road that no longer met the promised service standards.
The judges underscored that the burden of poor road infrastructure—ranging from vehicle wear and tear to longer travel times—was being unfairly placed on commuters. They also expressed disapproval over the timing of toll hikes at the Lakhanpur and Bann plazas, which coincided with the closure of the Thandi Khui Toll Plaza.
Toll Cut Ordered, Mushrooming Plazas Under Scrutiny
The court’s directive included the immediate implementation of a toll reduction, with full fees to be reinstated only after an independent surveyor certifies the highway’s completion. Authorities were also ordered to halt the establishment of new toll plazas within 60 kilometers of NH-44 and dismantle any existing ones violating this rule within two months.
Additionally, concerns were raised over the employment of individuals with criminal backgrounds at toll plazas. The court mandated that all toll employees undergo police verification, holding law enforcement responsible for any violations.
Final Blow to Unchecked Toll Collection
The ruling also questioned the financial fairness of existing toll structures, urging the Union Ministry to reconsider fee rates across all plazas. The court emphasized that toll collection should not serve as a revenue-generating mechanism but rather as a justifiable exchange for well-maintained infrastructure. A decision on toll reductions is expected within four months.
For now, travelers on NH-44 can expect some financial relief—but the larger battle for accountability in highway management is far from over.