NHAI Can’t Collect Toll Without Proper Highway Maintenance: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to stop collecting tolls on the Madurai-Tuticorin highway until it is properly maintained.

The court said NHAI has a duty to keep highways in good condition before charging tolls. The court was hearing a petition by V. Balakrishnan, who said the road was in poor shape and the NHAI’s contractor had failed to meet standards.

The court rejected NHAI’s argument that it was a contractual issue and said road users deserve well-maintained roads before being asked to pay toll fees.