The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has directed authorities to withdraw the order redistributing the influence length between Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas after the closure of the Thandi Khui toll plaza. This withdrawal must be completed within one week from February 25, 2025. 

The court further ordered that only 20% of the previous toll rates be charged at the Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas until the Lakhanpur-Udhampur highway becomes fully operational and fit for public use. Full toll collection can resume only after an independent surveyor certifies the highway’s proper condition. 

Additionally, the court prohibited the establishment of any toll plaza within 60 km on National Highway-44 and mandated the removal of any existing tolls within this range in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh within two months. It also called for controlling the proliferation of toll plazas in these regions to prevent excessive revenue generation at the public’s expense. 

The court criticised the high toll fees, particularly at the Bann toll plaza, and directed the Union Ministry to reconsider and slash existing toll charges across all plazas within four months, ensuring that fees remain fair and reasonable. 

Finally, the court ordered that no individual with a criminal background be employed at toll plazas and mandated police verification of all toll staff, holding local police officials personally accountable for any lapses in this requirement. 

(barandbench)