Salute soldiers at toll plazas: NHAI to staff

New Delhi, December 14

The NHAI has directed staff at toll plazas to salute and give “standing ovation” to armed forces personnel travelling on official duty, in recognition of their exemplary services.

The directions follow complaints from armed forces personnel of misconduct by toll plaza staff while allowing exemption from toll fee.

In a recent policy circular, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that considering the unparalleled service of armed forces towards the safety and security of the country, such type of rude behaviour is not acceptable.

“The Armed Forces personnel deserve the highest regard and should be given due respect at the toll plaza, including salute and standing ovations as deemed fit,” it said. The NHAI has directed training of the toll operating staff accordingly to pay due respect to the personnel and “salute their selfless dedication to the country”.

It also made it clear that verification of their identification cards should be done by senior and competent authority and not left to the untrained lowest staff. “It is needless to emphasise that considering the extreme sacrifice of armed forces to the nation in case of doubt with respect to nature of their official duty, benefit of doubt should be given appropriately to armed forces personnel,” said the NHAI circular. — PTI