Revised toll revenue figures released by the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Shillong have clarified discrepancies in earlier data on toll collections in Meghalaya. The issue came to light following a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Rakesh Hazarika, Executive Director of the Centre for Efficient Governance (CEG), who has repeatedly flagged concerns over transparency in highway toll accounting.

The clarification was issued on December 8 in response to the RTI query.

According to the revised data, toll plazas across Meghalaya generated a total revenue of Rs 96.05 crore during the 2024–25 financial year. Among the toll plazas, Pahammawlein recorded the highest collection at Rs 61.26 crore.

Diengpasoh followed with Rs 24.80 crore, while Pasyih collected Rs 9.99 crore. Lumshnong Toll Plaza reported no revenue during the period.

The revised figures come after an apparent anomaly in earlier RTI replies, where PIU Shillong had provided identical toll collection figures for the 2023–24 financial year and the calendar year 2024. This raised questions, as the two periods overlap for only nine months. The duplication prompted CEG to seek a re-verification of the data.

Hazarika said the matching figures suggested an error in data compilation or reporting and required closer scrutiny.

Concerns over data management

While welcoming the revised disclosure, Hazarika pointed out that similar lapses in the past indicate deeper issues in data management within the authority. CEG noted that earlier information had placed toll collections for FY 2023–24 at Rs 90.26 crore, showing an increase in revenue in the current financial year.

However, Hazarika argued that repeated inconsistencies undermine public confidence in official disclosures and stressed the need for stronger internal checks.

Drawing parallels with earlier RTI findings in Assam, Hazarika recalled that discrepancies in toll data from the Galia Toll Plaza had eventually attracted the attention of the Central Vigilance Commission. He warned that recurring errors raise concerns about the overall accuracy of toll revenue reporting across regions.

No wayside amenities despite a decade of tolling

The RTI response also reiterated that Meghalaya still does not have Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along its national highways, despite toll collection continuing for more than a decade. The state’s first toll plaza, at Diengpasoh, began operations in 2014.

CEG highlighted that the absence of basic facilities such as rest areas, toilets, food kiosks and emergency services remains a major inconvenience, particularly for tourists and long-distance travellers in a tourism-dependent state.

Calling the situation a sign of institutional neglect, Hazarika urged NHAI to conduct an internal audit of toll revenue records and to urgently prioritise the construction of Wayside Amenities along Meghalaya’s national highways.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share