Toll plazas in Delhi to be modernised for smoother highway traffic; ANPR cameras, RFID readers, FASTag integration planned, ETInfra

NEW DELHI: PWD minister Parvesh Verma has directed immediate measures to modernise tolling across the city, recover outstanding revenue, and eliminate illegal encroachments during a UT-Level coordination committee meeting.

This meeting was held to address issues between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Chairing the meeting with senior officials from NHAI, Delhi Traffic Police, PWD, BSES, Delhi Jal Board, environment department, MCD, revenue department, and power department, the minister said there was an urgent need for enhanced coordination and technology adoption to improve Delhi’s highway infrastructure and traffic management.

Verma reviewed critical traffic congestion points at the Sirhol-Rajokri border (NH-48), Delhi–Meerut Expressway’s Package-I toll plaza, Badarpur border (NH-19/44), Dwarka Expressway toll plaza near Bijwasan, and the UER-II stretch between Najafgarh and Bahadurgarh. These bottlenecks were identified as major hindrances to commuters and freight movement.

In line with this, the minister instructed the swift adoption of gantry-based tolling systems utilising ANPR cameras, RFID readers, and FASTag integration to replace outdated toll collection methods. “Delhi must lead in adopting technology for efficient traffic management,” he said.

Financial matters were also a key agenda, with attention to pending dues amounting to Rs 50.18 crore in rent at the Rajokri toll plaza and delayed user fee remittances from the Badarpur elevated fee plaza. Verma urged agencies to expedite recovery, underscoring the principle that public funds should be promptly utilised for better roads and services.

The meeting addressed the pressing issue of illegal encroachments on Urban Extension Road-II near Najafgarh–Bahadurgarh Road, with clear directives given to the MCD for immediate clearance. The minister condemned the illegal dumping of waste along this stretch, calling for strict accountability. “Encroachments and dumping are not just administrative failures, they are direct obstructions to Delhi’s progress,” he said.

Further, the committee flagged large-scale illegal hoardings and advertisements below the Mahipalpur flyover (NH-48), along the Delhi–Meerut Expressway (NH-9), and the Delhi–Saharanpur stretch (NH-709B). The issue of unauthorised MCD parking near Gandhi Nagar on the NH-709B elevated road was also raised. The minister ordered rigorous enforcement to remove such illegal structures, insisting that highways must remain clear and safe for public use.

Maintenance concerns for key infrastructure such as the Mahipalpur flyover and the Badarpur elevated section of NH-2 were reviewed, with the Minister calling for urgent repair and upkeep to prevent costly damages and commuter inconvenience. Additionally, the committee examined illegal sewerage connections into stormwater drains along national highways, which threaten road integrity and exacerbate monsoon flooding. Strict instructions were given to disconnect these connections and penalise violators.

Emphasising a collaborative approach, Verma reminded all departments that “inter-agency coordination is the backbone of success.” He urged officials to “break silos, build synergy, deliver results,” making clear that the committee’s focus is on action, rather than excuses.

The minister also mandated compliance reports on congestion relief, revenue recovery, encroachment removal, and illegal dumping be submitted within one month.

Verma said, “Delhi’s infrastructure is the lifeline of the nation’s capital. Our responsibility is not just to build roads, but to ensure they serve people efficiently and without delay.”

• Published On Aug 24, 2025 at 11:40 AM IST

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