Villagers block UER-2 toll plaza, seek exemption from charges

Villagers from around 20 villages staged a protest on Tuesday at the Mundka Toll Plaza on the newly inaugurated Urban Extension Road (UER-2), demanding exemption from toll charges for local residents. The demonstrators blocked the road, calling for the immediate removal of toll fees for those living nearby.

Mundka MLA Gajendra Daral joined the protest but faced criticism from villagers, who questioned him over the toll imposition. As tensions rose, toll plaza staff vacated the premises and toll collection was halted. Police were deployed to ensure law and order and the protest remained peaceful.

“The villagers are demanding toll-free access for those residing close to the plaza. They were hoping to meet National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials with their demands,” a police officer said.

The 46-km stretch of UER-2 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 17 and is a key arterial route connecting Delhi to major highways including Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Rohtak and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. It also eases movement between Delhi and Gurugram.

Toll collection at the Mundka-Bakkarwala plaza began on Sunday, with rates ranging from Rs 235 to Rs 2,260 depending on the vehicle. Residents within a 20-km radius are eligible for a monthly pass at Rs 350 — a provision that has failed to placate locals.

Protesters argued the road was built on land acquired from local villagers and they should not be charged to use it. “The road has been constructed on land taken from us. It’s unfair to ask us to pay to use it,” said Rajat, a resident of Bakkarwala village.

In a statement, MLA Gajendra Daral said he had been assured no toll would be levied on nearby residents. “However, that information turned out to be incorrect. I have now requested NHAI officials to review the matter,”

he added.