Digvijaya tells Gadkari toll is charged on incomplete highways:Raises issue in Rajya Sabha, says, ‘Officials were warned, yet collection continues’

The issue of continued toll collection despite incomplete construction on the Betul–Bhopal National Highway (NH-46) in Madhya Pradesh has reached Parliament. On Thursday, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha, calling it an injustice to the public and seeking a response from Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said he considers Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to be one of the country’s most influential and efficient ministers, but collecting toll on incomplete and poor-quality roads is inappropriate. He noted that Gadkari has personally visited Betul, inspected the road, and even reprimanded officials, yet toll collection continues. Gadkari had inspected the Betul–Bhopal National Highway during a visit to Satpura Tiger Reserve for a jungle safari on October 25, 2015. Collection near Kundi toll plaza
This matter is specifically related to the Kundi Toll Plaza located near Shahpur. Due to potholes, incomplete blacktopping, and ongoing construction work in many sections of the road from Betul to Itarsi, vehicle drivers are facing severe difficulties. Local people and vehicle drivers have been protesting toll collection for a long time. Demand for policy change raised
Local citizens and social organisations state that toll collection should be stopped until the road fully meets standard driving quality. After the issue was raised in Parliament, it is hoped that the central government will formulate a clear policy regarding toll collection on incomplete or poor roads. Four-lane road not completed even in 7 years Deep potholes on single-lane road Toll collection ongoing for 7 months…
Passengers and residents complain that there are no signboards, lights, and service road arrangements on the road. Lights have not been installed at several places including Shahpur, Bhaura, Padhar. According to departmental sources, construction work is stalled in about a 21-kilometer stretch due to the tiger corridor area. This stretch falls between Bagdev to Kesla, Baretha Ghat, and Bhaura region. Despite this, toll collection has started on this route from May 21, 2025, which has angered passengers who have to pay toll even on an incomplete road.