High Court Orders Suspension of Toll Collection at Sanwara Plaza from September 20 to October 30

Citing the poor condition of the highway, the Himachal Pradesh High Court today ordered the suspension of toll collection at Sanwara toll plaza from September 20 to October 30, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the levy.

Confirming the development, an official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is overseeing the four-laning project, said toll collection has been halted immediately in compliance with the court’s directive.

Around 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles ply daily on the Parwanoo–Shimla highway, generating nearly ₹11 lakh in revenue each day from the Sanwara toll plaza. This plaza was the first toll collection point established by NHAI in Himachal Pradesh.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court, in a recent ruling, held that NHAI cannot compel road users to pay tolls if the condition of the highway is severely deteriorated.