Month after clash, Paranur toll plaza to be reopened today

On January 25, a clash broke out after the staff at the plaza asked the government bus driver to pay the toll. During the clash, the toll booth, including computers and other equipment, was completely damaged. Following this, the toll booth was closed,and all the vehicles were passing the area without paying the fare.

Meanwhile, the local residents were urging the government to close the toll plaza permanently, pointing out that traffic congestion had come to a naught after it was closed. According to them, when the toll plaza was functional, it took an additional 20 minutes to cross the area.

However, officials have announced that all the repairing works have been completed and the toll plaza will be functioning from March 1 midnight.

Reports reveal that in the last three weeks when the toll plaza was closed, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has lost nearly Rs 8 crore of toll collection. Moreover, the NHAI had to sanction Rs 50 lakh for the civil work from its exigency funds to repair it.

Sources from the Chengalpattu police said that a permanent police booth would be established near the plaza to act as a deterrent in the event of confrontation between the vehicle users and toll plaza staff. The police have also urged NHAI to do a thorough background check before posting personnel there. It may be noted that during the clash, certain staff members entered the area and looted the cash kept there.