MCD Set to Remove Toll Booths on Delhi-NCR Borders
Delhi and NCR cities are set to receive significant relief as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) prepares to remove toll booths on the borders of the capital. The move, which aims to ease the congestion at the city’s entry points, comes in response to growing concerns about long wait times and the hassle of paying entry fees. The toll booths, which currently charge a green tax for vehicles entering Delhi, have long been a source of inconvenience for daily commuters.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is leading the initiative, with plans to relocate all toll collection points situated on the main carriageways at the city’s borders. These toll booths, particularly at key entry points such as the Sirhaul border (Gurgaon), Ghazipur (NH9), Badarpur (NH19), Tikri (NH10), and Kundli (N44), have been causing traffic jams and blocking the right of way (RoW) on major national highways, notably NH48 and NH9.In addition to this, the road transport ministry, alongside the Haryana government, is seeking to modify a 2015 Supreme Court order that governs the collection of Environment Compensation Charges (ECC) from commercial goods vehicles.
Unlike entry taxes, ECC is levied on medium and heavy commercial vehicles, which contributes to further delays at the borders. However, cabs are exempt from this charge.
As per recent discussions between the central government, Delhi, and Haryana authorities, the final decision on the relocation of toll booths will depend on the Supreme Court’s ruling. The relocation process will aim to alleviate congestion, ensuring smoother traffic flow for commuters who travel daily between Delhi and the neighbouring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to ease the traffic bottlenecks that have long plagued the Delhi-NCR region. If successfully implemented, it could drastically reduce the waiting times at the capital’s borders, thereby enhancing the daily commute experience for thousands of residents and visitors alike.
The next step will involve ensuring the smooth transition of toll collection points, with NHAI working closely with the MCD and other stakeholders to expedite the process. However, the speed of execution will depend on the Supreme Court’s decision, which is expected in the near future.
