Residents and commuters in the National Capital Region (NCR) are set to face additional travel costs as toll tax is now mandatory for those traveling from Manesar to Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sohna. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has closed the U-turn near Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, citing road safety concerns.
New Toll and Route Changes
With the U-turn closure, drivers will now have to use the cloverleaf flyover on Dwarka Expressway. Car owners must pay a toll fee of ₹85, while heavier vehicles have different charges.
The change has sparked anger among local residents, particularly those living in housing societies along Sector 68 to 85, as it increases travel time and costs.
Traffic Chaos and Commuter Protests
On Thursday, officials including a duty magistrate and local police arrived at the Kherki Daula toll plaza to enforce the closure. As barricades were placed, traffic congestion built up, leading to confusion among commuters. Some drivers attempted to take illegal routes, prompting intervention from toll marshals and police. Heated arguments ensued before authorities restored order.
Why the U-Turn Was Closed
NHAI justified the closure based on a road safety survey conducted by Almondz Global Infra Consultant Limited. The survey identified the U-turn as an accident-prone zone, where vehicles exiting the toll plaza often faced collision risks. The decision aligns with recommendations from the Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee.
Impact on Daily Commuters
- Thousands of residents from 35 housing societies will face inconvenience.
- Increased congestion at Rampura Chowk, a major intersection already struggling with heavy traffic.
- Heavy vehicles rerouted through residential areas, raising safety concerns.
Alternate Routes to Avoid Toll Tax
- Manesar to Gurugram: Use Rampura Road via Dadi Sati Chowk to reach Dwarka Expressway.
- Sohna/Faridabad to Manesar: Travel via Sector 76-77 main road to reach the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway.
Local Leaders Demand U-Turn Reopening
Praveen Malik, President of the Industrial Association, has urged authorities to reconsider. He plans to write to the District Deputy Commissioner requesting the U-turn’s reopening to ease public inconvenience.
Meanwhile, GMDA (Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority) official Akash Padhi confirmed that travelers must now use the cloverleaf on Dwarka Expressway for their commute.
