NHAI seeks Assam government's help to break logjam over Raha toll plaza

GUWAHATI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought Assam government’s assistance to break the existing logjam over the opening of toll at Raha in Nagaon district. A total of 29 organisations have opposed the opening of the toll in the state.

RP Singh, NHAI chief general manager (technical) and regional officer of northeast, had on Monday sent a letter to state chief secretary, TY Das, stating that the toll gate at Raha toll plaza “is not illegal” as claimed by the protesters.

“Therefore, it is requested to provide necessary administrative support for smooth collection of toll and to avoid further loss to national exchequer,” Singh wrote in his letter.


The toll gate on National Highway 37 has remained non-functional since last year. The gate was opened on July 12 but due to protests, it was temporarily closed. Protesters argue that the toll plaza is against National Highways Fees (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. They say that no toll gate can be set up within a 10-km radius of a town or municipality area and the Raha gate is located within ward 7 of Raha Town.

Singh, however, stated that Raha plaza is in line with Section 9 of the National Highways Act, 1956 and the National Highways (Rate of Fees) Rules, 199, which allows setting up of a toll plaza within the municipal town or area limits or within a distance of five kilometers along the national highways.