The West Bengal government has instructed the immediate shutdown of all unauthorized toll gates and drop gates operating across the state during the previous Trinamool Congress administration. The order, issued by the new Chief Secretary, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, mandates the closure of all unapproved collection points without delay. District Magistrates have been tasked with identifying and removing such unauthorized structures within their areas and preventing their re-establishment without proper authorization.
The order also demands the cessation of any fee collection at these unauthorized points. District Magistrates are further advised to compile a list of both legal and illegal authorized toll collection points and submit it for review by the Under Secretary by a specified deadline. The directive stresses immediate compliance with the order to avoid consequences for non-compliance.
During the previous regime, unauthorized toll gates proliferated on state highways, often operated by leaders of the ruling party. Truck operators, bus operators, and private vehicle passengers frequently faced demands for payment at these illegal toll gates without receiving any receipts. Despite complaints, the administration failed to address the issue. The new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, has pledged impartial governance and has taken steps to eradicate such extortion practices.
