Madras High Court Orders NHAI To Construct Separate Lanes For VIPs & Judges At All Toll Plazas

As part of the new orders, NHAI will now have to provide separate lanes for all vehicles of VIPs and sitting judges. The new order, however, will be accessible only to judges, top-ministers and emergency vehicles, such as ambulances.

The courts also warned that it would issue a show cause notice if the authorities violate the order at any time. The Judges, stated, "It is disheartening to note that the vehicles of VIPs and sitting Judges are stopped at toll plazas. It is very unfortunate that sitting judges are also compelled to wait in the toll plaza for 10 to 15 minutes.

The bench was hearing a batch petition related to toll plazas, including a plea by the L&T Krishnagiri-Wallajapet Tollway Limited. The firm has requested the bench to direct the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited's Villupuram and Salem divisions to pay the toll fee.

Posting the matter after four weeks, the Madras High Court said that unless a separate lane has been formed at every toll plaza for VIPs, they would face unnecessary harassment. According to earlier reports that if the waiting time at the toll plazas were more than three minutes, the fee would be free. However, this idea was rejected by the NHAI.

Thoughts On The New Lane For VIP

There is usually heavy traffic situations on the streetswhen top ministers or other VIPs pass through. The introduction of the separate lane for such VIPswill help reduce traffic situations. The new separate lanes in Toll plazas can also be used by emergency vehicles whenever required, this will allow them to skip the long queues at tolls and provide a better response time.