Resumption of toll tax on NH-21’s Takoli-Dohlunala stretch opposed by locals

Residents of Kullu and Manali and Lahaul-Spiti are raising objections to the proposed resumption of toll tax between Takoli and Dohlunala on the Kiratpur-Manali highway in Mandi and Kullu districts. They claim that the charging of toll on such a short stretch of road is unjust and puts unnecessary financial burden on the public.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana had raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha at Dharamsala. She had said that the residents of Lahaul and Spiti, who often travel between Kullu and Keylong for work, relied on this road for their daily travel. Due to the improved road conditions, many residents return the same day, making the toll charges particularly burdensome.

Anuradhan said that following the rain disaster last year, which caused significant damage to the Kiratpur-Manali highway between Mandi and Kullu, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had temporarily suspended toll collection at the Takoli and Dohlunala barriers. However, recent media reports indicate that NHAI plans to resume toll charges at both barriers, a move that has sparked strong opposition among the local population.

Furthermore, the MLA cited a statement of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in Parliament that no toll tax barriers would be set up for less than 60 km distance. Given that the distance between the two toll tax points was around 50 km, Anuradha questioned the fairness of imposing toll charges on such a short stretch.

In light of these concerns, the MLA urged the government to intervene and take up the matter with the Central Government.