Ensure discipline in toll plazas, NHAI told

Petitioner, Pazhanikumar, from Melur in Madurai district, in his petition, had stated that in National Highways-67, from Pettavaithalai to Kulithalai, lorries carrying sand are stationed at the side of the National Highways road. 

On June 17, he travelled by that road, more than 700 lorries were standing for 10 kilometres and all the lorries were waiting to take sand from Cauvery river. Toll plazas collect the amount from the vehicle users but do not facilitate proper road facilities. So, the Court should direct the toll booths to not to allow sand lorries to stand on the road sides, prayed the petitioner.

However Judges raised serious of questions such as whether there is separate way for ambulance, about the toilet facilities at the toll plazas, whether there is a recovery vehicle at the toll plazas and also about the average time taken for each vehicle to pass through the toll plazas. Chief General Manager of NH department appeared in person at the Court, on Wednesday, and informed the Court that all the required basic amenities are present at the toll plazas. Judges, KK Sasidharan, and GR Swaminathan, intervened and said that in most toll plazas only rowdies and goondas are employed. Why is NH department hesitant to take action on the erring toll plazas questioned the judges. 

Judges also said that there are no proper rules for functioning of toll plazas in Tamil Nadu where as in Kerala district Collectors take action on toll plazas which do not follow rules. Judges further observed that there is no separate way for ambulances and every second is key for a patient. By saying so the Judges had reserved the the judgement in the case.