Public Anger Mounts Over Two New Toll Plazas in Upper Assam

As the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) moves ahead with the process of establishing two new toll plazas in Upper Assam, public outcry continues to grow across the region. Residents from both Golaghat and Biswanath districts have strongly opposed the decision, calling it "insensitive" given the current economic and humanitarian crises unfolding across the state.

The two upcoming user fee collection points, Rangamati Fee Plaza on NH-37 near Dergaon and Ratowa Fee Plaza on NH-15 near Jinjia in Biswanath district, are expected to begin operations soon, with NHAI having already floated tenders for selecting toll collection agencies.

However, many locals feel the timing of this decision is deeply flawed. Speaking to the media, a resident expressed frustration, stating, “At a time when Assam is battling widespread artificial floods, rising taxes, skyrocketing prices of daily essentials, and high electricity and fuel bills, the government is burdening us further with new toll gates. These tolls may be funded by government contracts, but it's the common people who will bear the cost.”

He added that the introduction of more toll gates will inevitably lead to a hike in bus fares and transport costs, affecting daily commuters, labourers, and families already struggling to make ends meet. “People in many villages can't even afford one meal a day. The government should have prioritised these pressing issues instead of toll collection,” he added.

Another resident from Biswanath echoed the same sentiment, saying, “Some of us are just about surviving. If we have to pay even Rs 80 per crossing at a toll gate, we’re left with nothing. We urge the NHAI to stop building toll plazas at Behali, Borgang, and Biswanath Chariali. These charges will break the backs of families like ours.”

The backlash reflects a broader dissatisfaction among rural and low-income communities, who feel they are being ignored in key policy decisions. With floodwaters still affecting villages and economic instability on the rise, many believe this is the wrong time for additional financial burdens.

As the process moves forward, demands are growing for the NHAI and the state government to suspend or reconsider toll operations in light of the people’s immediate challenges, highlighting the widening gap between infrastructure development and grassroots realities in Assam.

Also Read: NHAI to Introduce Toll Collection at Two New Points in Assam