New Delhi – A new debate on social media has erupted over toll collection after an RTI (Right to Information) inquiry revealed a massive disparity between the cost of building a national highway and the toll revenues it has generated. A national highway, constructed for ₹1896 crore, has accumulated a staggering ₹8349 crore in tolls, according to information disclosed through the RTI.

This disclosure, initially brought to light by a viewer of Aaj Tak’s program “Black & White,” has led to public outrage. The viewer, from Jaipur, Rajasthan, wrote to the program, sharing details about the Manoharpur toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur highway (NH-8). According to the viewer, toll collection at the plaza has continued for years, well after the construction costs were recovered.

RTI Details: Construction and Collection

RTI requests were submitted to obtain further details about the toll plazas along NH-8, specifically the Manoharpur toll, as well as the Shahjahanpur and Daulatpur toll plazas.

In response to the RTI, officials disclosed that toll collection on this highway began on April 3, 2009. The highway, which connects Gurugram to Kotputli and Jaipur in Rajasthan, was built at a total cost of ₹1896 crore. However, despite having recouped the construction cost, the toll has continued to be levied.

Shocking Revenue Figures

One of the most startling revelations was the toll revenue generated. By 2023, ₹8349 crore had been collected from just three toll plazas along the highway. To put this into perspective, experts have noted that the amount collected is enough to construct at least four similar highways connecting Gurugram to Jaipur.

Despite this, none of the toll plazas on this route have been closed, leading to growing frustration among motorists and taxpayers alike.

Public Outrage and Social Media Debate

As news of the RTI findings spread, social media platforms have been flooded with questions and criticisms. Many users have expressed disbelief over the continued toll collection despite the recovery of construction costs. Some are questioning why, after paying a one-time road tax when purchasing vehicles, motorists are still charged toll fees every 50 kilometers on major highways.

One social media user commented, “If this much toll is being collected from a single highway, imagine the profits being generated across all of India’s major highways. Why are we still paying tolls after the costs have been recovered?”

Another user highlighted the need for further investigations, suggesting that similar RTI queries for other national highways would likely reveal massive profits, well beyond the actual costs of construction. Some activists have even called for a reevaluation of toll policies, arguing that continued toll collection on highways that have long since recouped their costs constitutes exploitation of the public.

Government Accountability

Calls for government accountability are growing louder, with demands for clarity on why toll collections are not being capped or phased out once infrastructure projects are paid for. The RTI findings have brought to the forefront the broader issue of toll management in India and the need for transparent mechanisms to ensure fair practices in infrastructure projects.

As the toll debate intensifies, authorities are yet to respond to the public outcry. Meanwhile, calls for reform and policy changes to limit the duration of toll collection are gaining momentum.

Mumbai, September 6: A major fire broke out at the 15-storey Times Tower building in Mumbai’s bustling Lower Parel area early Friday morning. The incident, which took place at the Kamala Mills compound, prompted a swift response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, who battled the flames for over four hours before successfully containing the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Blaze Erupts Early Morning

According to officials, the fire began around 6:30 a.m. in the electrical duct of the building and quickly spread across multiple floors, with flames being confined between the third and seventh floors of the high-rise. The fire brigade declared it a level 2 fire—classified as a major emergency—prompting the immediate deployment of eight fire engines, five jumbo water tankers, and other firefighting equipment.

As smoke billowed from the building, residents and office-goers in the surrounding areas expressed concern. The fire brigade worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. Civic authorities confirmed that after hours of rigorous firefighting, the blaze was brought under control without any injuries or fatalities.

Firefighting Efforts

The Mumbai Fire Brigade worked in coordination with other emergency services to mitigate the damage. “Our teams responded quickly, ensuring the fire did not spread further,” a senior fire official said. “Five fire engines and seven jumbo tankers were deployed, and after four hours of intense efforts, the fire was finally contained.”

The cause of the fire is believed to have been electrical in nature, with the flames originating in the building’s electrical duct. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether there were any safety violations or issues with the building’s fire management system.

Concerns Raised Over Safety and Illegal Constructions

This incident has raised concerns about the safety standards in the Kamala Mills compound, an area that has witnessed multiple fires in recent years. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande voiced his frustration, highlighting the lack of fire safety audits in the area.

“This is the third time a fire has broken out in the Kamala Mills compound in five years. Illegal construction is rampant here, and local MLAs are turning a blind eye to the issue. The authorities need to conduct regular fire audits to prevent such incidents,” Deshpande said, expressing concerns about inadequate regulatory oversight.

A History of Fires in Kamala Mills Compound

The Kamala Mills compound, a commercial hub housing offices, restaurants, and media companies, has been the site of previous fire incidents, including a devastating blaze in 2017 that claimed 14 lives at a rooftop restaurant. The recurrence of such incidents has put a spotlight on the safety protocols in place and the enforcement of fire safety regulations in the area.

Authorities are expected to investigate whether safety measures in the Times Tower building met the required standards and if any lapses contributed to the fire. Civic officials have urged building management in the area to ensure that all fire prevention and safety protocols are up to date.

While no casualties have been reported this time, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by inadequate fire safety measures in high-rise buildings across the city.