Surat: In a move that has sparked controversy, toll collection on the Kim–Ena stretch of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway has begun. This defies an earlier recommendation issued by the Surat District Collector granting a one-month toll waiver.

The decision by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) came just days after the collector’s office issued a formal notification for diversion of traffic to the expressway between July 10 and August 10. The waiver of toll tax for this period on the expressway was suggested as a relief measure following the sudden closure of the Tapi Bridge near Kholvad in Kamrej due to structural concerns.

The bridge on the regular highway had developed a two-foot gap, posing safety risks. Initially, vehicles were allowed to pass with an iron plate covering the gap. However, following the tragic bridge collapse in Vadodara, authorities ordered the immediate closure of the Kholvad bridge to prevent a similar disaster. As an alternative, traffic was diverted to the nearby expressway, one side of which was ready to carry traffic.

NHAI announced that toll collection would begin from 12 midnight on Sunday, July 21, and started collecting toll. The rates are:

• Cars: ₹95 (one-way)

• Light Commercial Vehicles: ₹155

• Buses/Trucks: ₹325

• 3-Axle Commercial Vehicles: ₹355

• Heavy Construction Machinery: ₹510

• Oversized Vehicles: ₹620

The move has raised concerns among commuters and local authorities, who question the legality and timing of NHAI’s decision. Meanwhile, Congress state general secretary Darshan Nayak has written a letter to the district collector and submitted a representation, pointing out that motorists coming from the expressway have to pay toll tax at the toll plaza and then return to Bhatia toll plaza, where they also need to pay toll tax. He has demanded that local motorists of GJ-19 and GJ-05 be exempted from paying toll tax at both the expressway and Bhatia toll plazas. DeshGujarat