Why should the Industry pay to shift the Kherki Daula toll, ask MSMEs

New Delhi, Apr 8 (KNN) The Kherki Daula toll plaza between the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway is a choking point for the commuters. Industries have been demanding for its removal/shifting.

The latest development is that the State Government has asked industries to pay a share of Rs 200 crores of the ‘buy off package’ to settle the matter with the concessionaire opening the toll.

The long queues at the Kherki Daula Toll have been an issue for the industries for long.

Talking to KNN, Rahul Kacker, Director, Gurgaon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GICCI) said “The Kherki Daula toll is an example of the poor delivery of the infrastructure by the Government. Each time a carrier has to pass, it has to wait for a long time, considering the time bracket the carriers are allowed to go through a lot and lots of time gets killed unnecessarily”.

Questioning as to why are the industries are supposed to pay to get the toll shifted, Vikas Jain, Director, GICCI said “We are already paying for the toll, the toll will continue to be in operation once its shifted, the revenue from the toll will continue, so why are we being asked to pay”.

He further highlighted digital solutions that can be considered. “In countries abroad, there are digital cards and tablets which facilitate easier flow of traffic, why can’t we have such technology deployed in India," he added.

According to media reports, the government last month said that the toll plaza will not be shifted if the industries don’t pay for it. “I appeal to all beneficiaries to join hands in order to pay off the toll plaza concessionaire as it’s the removal is essential for smooth industrial growth,” Devender Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Haryana Government said.

Meanwhile industrial associations of Manesar have also demanded an audit into the accounts of the concessionaire. (KNN/ DA)