Former Minister Urges Gadkari to Halt Tolls Over Deplorable NH-44 Road Conditions

Urgent Plea for Intervention on National Highway-44

Former Minister Harsh Yadav has appealed to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for immediate intervention regarding the extremely dilapidated and concerning condition of the road stretch on National Highway-44 between Mal-thoun and Jhira Ghati. In his letter, the former minister has urged for the urgent repair of the road and the suspension of toll collection at the concerned booths during this period.

Grave Inconvenience and Safety Concerns

Harsh Yadav informed the Union Minister that the road between Mal-thoun and Jhira Ghati on National Highway-44 is riddled with large potholes at numerous points. This situation is causing significant inconvenience to thousands of drivers and passengers daily and is escalating the risk of accidents, with many vehicles also sustaining damage.

Questioning Toll Collection Amidst Poor Road Quality

The former minister alleged that the contractor is merely applying superficial fixes in the name of road maintenance, preventing a permanent solution to the problem. He raised serious questions about the toll tax collection, stating that despite collecting hefty tolls from motorists, the road quality is far below the expected standards for safe and smooth transportation.

Demands for Toll Suspension and Quality Assurance

The poor road conditions are leading to wasted time and fuel for drivers, increased vehicle repair costs, and a persistent risk of accidents. In light of this, Harsh Yadav demanded that toll collection at the relevant booths be immediately suspended until the road is brought to the specified quality and made safe for traffic.

Concerns Over Construction Quality and Environmental Neglect

The former minister also highlighted the lack of expected tree plantation and a green belt along the road dividers. Furthermore, he drew the Union Minister's attention to local public complaints and dissatisfaction regarding the construction quality of overbridges and underbridges on the route. Harsh Yadav described the issue as a grave matter concerning the safety and lives of thousands of passengers, extending beyond just poor road conditions.

Call for Effective Action

He urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to understand the seriousness of the matter, issue necessary directives to the concerned authorities, and ensure the qualitative and permanent repair of the road between Mal-thoun and Jhira Ghati to restore safe traffic. It remains to be seen what action the National Highways Authority and the concerned departments will take following the Union Minister's intervention regarding this dilapidated road and the toll collection issue.