Cong slams ‘exorbitant’ UER-2 toll, demands 50% cut, relief for farmers

A day before the inauguration of the newly constructed Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2), the Delhi Congress on Saturday criticised the Centre over what it termed “exorbitant” toll charges, demanding their immediate reduction along with compensation and relief for affected farmers.

Senior party spokesperson Naresh Kumar, who has also served as a member of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, said the toll rates notified for UER-2 were unprecedented in Delhi and higher than those in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

“These rates are exorbitant and unacceptable. Common citizens and farmers are being crushed under unfair toll rates and unjust compensation policies,” he said.

According to the official notification, car users will be charged Rs 235 one-way and Rs 350 for return trips, while heavy vehicles will have to pay up to Rs 1,505 one-way and Rs 2,260 for return.

Kumar alleged that farmers whose land was acquired for the project received meagre compensation and were not allotted alternative plots, unlike practices in adjoining states. Many of them, he added, are still fighting legal battles in court.

The Congress has put forth four demands: a 50 per cent reduction in toll charges, complete exemption for villagers in affected areas, fair compensation to farmers and immediate allotment of alternative plots to those displaced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari are scheduled to inaugurate UER-2 on August 17. Kumar said he had already submitted a memorandum to Gadkari, with copies to the Prime Minister and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

“The Delhi Congress stands firmly with the farmers and the people and will continue to oppose this anti-people decision,” he added.