X : @the_news_21
Mumbai: In a significant escalation of ongoing tensions over toll collection practices, activist Jayesh Bafna has raised alarm bells regarding the misappropriation of public funds in Dhule district.
Following two to three years of persistent communication with officials, Bafna has issued a stern ultimatum to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), demanding the implementation of necessary updates to the 2008 National Highway Fee Rules within 15 days.
Failing this, he has vowed to file a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court over ₹2500 Crores in alleged illegal collections. Bafna contends that since 2009, over ₹2500 crores have been collected in toll, yet the NHAI’s failure to update the 2008 regulations raises critical legal concerns.
“This collection is not only unethical; it is illegal due to NHAI’s negligence,” he stated. Citing clause 36 of the original contract, he insists that legal changes must be enforced. If not implemented, Bafna argues that the toll collection becomes unlawful, and the funds should be reclaimed from the contractors along with penalties.
The NHAI’s controversial defense In response to Bafna’s claims, NHAI representative Bhausaheb Salunkhe suggested that updating the rules could lead to “contractual conflicts” with the contractors. Bafna has expressed frustration over this rationale, asserting that it prioritizes the interests of contractors over the rights of the public. “This shows a clear disregard for the rights of citizens,” he remarked.
Corruption allegations have intensified over the toll collection in recent days. This ongoing toll collection debacle has intensified concerns about corruption in Dhule. While the Bhaskar Wagh case was previously viewed as the region’s largest scandal, the scale of the current toll collection issue is unprecedented.
The failure to implement the 2008 rules by 2024, particularly under the oversight of a capable union minister like Nitin Gadkari, has further eroded public trust. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency from the NHAI. The outcome of Bafna’s ultimatum remains uncertain, but the implications for public trust and governance are profound.
(Author Jayesh Sangeeta Dinesh Bafna, Dhule is a social activist and can be contacted on Email – itsjayeshbafna@gmail.com)
