The escalating burden of toll tax in Assam has sparked widespread public discontent, as citizens grapple with deteriorating national highways despite hefty toll collections. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari revealed in a Rajya Sabha response that Assam’s nine toll plazas amassed ₹1,997.95 crore in toll revenue by June 2025, yet the deplorable state of roads continues to fuel public frustration.
Toll Tax Revenue Breakdown in Assam
The central government’s data highlights the toll tax collections from Assam’s nine toll plazas:
- Madanpur Toll Plaza: ₹538.16 crore
- Nazirakhat Toll Plaza: ₹411.28 crore
- Raha Toll Plaza: ₹266.98 crore
- Dahalpura Toll Plaza: ₹256.93 crore
- Patgaon Toll Plaza: ₹209.71 crore
- Galia-Bajali Toll Plaza: ₹154.19 crore
- Mikirati Haowgaon Toll Plaza: ₹132.49 crore
- Manderadisha Toll Plaza: ₹21.67 crore
- Balachera Toll Plaza: ₹6.54 crore
Concerns Over Galia Toll Plaza’s Revenue Spike
Rakesh Hazarika, Executive Director of the Centre for Efficient Governance, has flagged an alarming surge in collections at the Galia Toll Plaza, filing a complaint with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). In the first 200 days of 2023, the plaza collected an average of ₹5.86 lakh daily, totaling ₹11.72 crore. Over the next 165 days, the daily average skyrocketed to ₹14.55 lakh, amounting to ₹24.01 crore—a 148% increase. With no clear explanation from authorities, Hazarika has demanded a thorough CVC investigation into this anomaly.
Public Frustration Over Toll Tax in Assam
Citizens are increasingly burdened by toll tax in Assam, compounded by GST, fuel taxes, and levies on essentials. The proliferation of toll plazas, justified as funding for infrastructure, has led to accusations of exploitation, as road conditions remain substandard. The lack of visible improvements despite significant revenue has intensified public anger.
Calls for Accountability and Road Improvements
The deplorable state of Assam’s national highways, despite substantial toll collections, has led to growing demands for transparency. Citizens, frustrated by unfulfilled promises of better infrastructure, are urging a detailed investigation into the management of toll revenues and the urgent need for highway maintenance.
