HC orders suspension of toll collection at Sanwara Plaza from September 20 to October 30

The Himachal Pradesh High Court today stayed collection of toll tax at Sanwara from September 20 to October 30, following a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the toll, citing the poor condition of the highway.

Confirming the development, an official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) — which is carrying out the four‑laning work — said that toll collection has been immediately suspended following the court’s orders.

About 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles ply on the Parwanoo-Shimla highway and a sum of about Rs 11 lakh is earned on a daily basis through the toll plaza located at Sanwara.

It is the first such tax collection point set up by the NHAI in Himachal Pradesh.

Notably, the apex court in a recent judgement has also stated that the NHAI cannot force commuters to pay toll if the highway is in a terrible condition.