Kalka Shimla NH 5 closure spurs temporary suspension of toll charges
Shimla, Aug 6
The closure of NH-5, the Kalka Shimla highway, following a landslide near Chakki Mod, has spurred a temporary halt on collection of toll tax on this route. Finally 4 days after the road has been closed the District Administration of Solan has responded to the mounting demand for a cessation of toll tax collection, here. Noteworthy that since the highway’s closure due to the washed-out stretch, there has been a vociferous demand amongst various public forums to suspend toll charges.
The District Administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority, has taken the decisive step. Invoking powers vested by Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Deputy Commissioner has issued the notification. This notification dictates the immediate closure of toll plaza Sanwara, a move made in the greater interest of the public, until NH-5 is restored.
The heavy rainfall in the region has wreaked havoc on NH-5, causing substantial damage at multiple points between Solan and Parwanoo. Notably, a complete blockage at Koti, under Tehsil Kasauli, has rendered the highway impassable since August 2, 2023.
The Deputy Commissioner’s action was propelled by a keen awareness of the growing unrest within the local populace. Complaints from concerned citizens and neighboring Gram Panchayats, as well as media reports, have underscored the plight of residents residing near the four-lane highway. These individuals were being compelled to bear toll charges despite the highway’s closure, a circumstance that has now been aptly addressed.
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