Impact of 52% Toll Hike at Bijupara Toll Plaza: Contractor Surrenders Contract in Just 8 Months
Special Report | M Bharat 24 News Live
The Bijupara Toll Plaza was established on National Highway-39 following the construction of the four-lane road from Ranchi to Kudu, aiming to recover construction costs and generate revenue. However, the plaza has remained a subject of controversy and challenges. The situation is such that companies undertaking toll operations are being forced to abandon the work before their contracts expire.
The latest instance involves the Ashish Jaiswal Company, which surrendered its toll operation contract just eight months after securing it. According to sources, the primary reasons behind this move include inadequate security arrangements, a lack of basic amenities in the vicinity, local disputes, and, most significantly, a massive 52 percent hike in toll rates.
What exactly is the issue regarding the 52 percent hike?
In the 2024-25 financial year, a car driver had to pay a toll of ₹75 at the Bijupada Toll Plaza. Under NHAI regulations, toll rates are revised annually starting April 1st. Following this process, the toll fee rose to ₹80 for the 2025-26 year.
However, the situation changed abruptly for the 2026-27 year. Instead of the standard annual adjustment, new rates were implemented starting May 1st, raising the car toll fee from ₹80 to ₹120—an increase of approximately 52 percent in one go.
This hike sparked discussion and resentment among the public. Locals argue that while there have been persistent complaints regarding the quality of the road, such a steep increase in toll fees places an additional financial burden on the people.
The Link Between Murgu Bridge Repairs and the Toll Hike
According to sources, the 52 percent toll hike was implemented to recover the costs incurred for repairing the Murgu Bridge after it sustained damage. However, this claim could not be officially confirmed.
Yet, this entire matter raises several questions. People argue that if a new bridge sustains damage during the very first spell of rain, the responsibility should lie with the construction agency or the concerned company. In such a scenario, it is highly questionable whether the burden of repair costs should be passed on to the general public. People allege that motorists are now being made to pay the price for flaws in construction and maintenance.
How much revenue is collected at the toll plaza?
According to available information, approximately 8,000 to 8,500 vehicles pass through the Bijupada toll plaza daily. Of these, around 2,000 vehicles hold monthly passes. Data indicates that the toll plaza's daily revenue was previously around ₹7 lakh. Following a 52% hike in toll rates, this revenue is estimated to rise to approximately ₹10 lakh per day.
However, the rate hike also led to an increase in disputes and protests at the toll plaza. Sources state that the company decided to surrender its contract due to mounting challenges and operational difficulties.
What is the current situation?
Since the company gave up the contract on June 7, the NHAI has been handling toll collection itself. The department is preparing to issue a tender soon to select a new contractor.
However, experts believe that operating the toll plaza will not be easy for any new contractor under the current circumstances. On one hand, there is public resentment regarding the increased toll rates, while on the other, challenges related to security and operations persist.
Attempt to get NHAI's perspective
Repeated attempts were made over several days to contact Project Director Vijay Kumar via phone to get the NHAI's perspective on this matter. However, no response was received by the time this report was written.
The question arises: if there are flaws in the construction or maintenance of a bridge, why should the general public have to pay the price?
Reporting: Manoj Mishra
