NHAI rewards RTI Applicant for exposing Overcharging at Toll Plaza

Based upon RTI application filed by Shri Prashant Ashok Burge, Belgaum during March, 2013 regarding collection of excess user fee rate for Car/Jeep/Van (LMV) for one way and return trip at Hattargi User Fee Plaza on Belgaum to Maharashtra Border, stretch of NH-4, NHAI investigated into the matter.

It was observed that the user fee was being charged at Rs. 20/- and Rs. 40/- whereas it should have been Rs. 15/- and Rs. 35/- respectively. NHAI immediately stopped the collection of excess user fee from such category of vehicles. Also, the excess collection of user fee of Rs. 1.8 crore was recovered from the Toll Agency M/s Konark Infrastructure Ltd. Besides, as a corrective measures, notice boards came up on all toll booths, displaying that the excess user fee of Rs. 5/- can be collected by the passengers, after producing proof of identification and excess fee charged.

NHAI appreciates the fact that the complainant has raised a very pertinent and an important issue involving public interest through his RTI application, which has been promptly redressed by the public authority. Considering the importance of the issue, NHAI has accorded approval for a reward amount of Rs. 10,000/- to Shri Prashant Ashok Burge under Cash Reward Scheme in pursuant to NHAI Guidelines.