Sangamlal Gupta, BJP MP from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, explained to The Indian Express why he brought up the issue of an upcoming toll plaza in his constituency during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.
What was the issue you raised in the House?
I raised the issue of NH-330, which passes through my constituency, Pratapgarh, and connects Ayodhya to Prayagraj. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways had previously announced in the House that there would not be two toll plazas within 60 km on national highways, and that people would not be burdened with tolls. However, a new toll booth is being constructed near Kohandaur Bazar, just 35 km from an existing toll plaza at Mau Aima on the same highway. I requested the Minister to cancel this proposed toll booth, as it violates the rule of not having two toll plazas within 60 km on a highway.
Had you raised this issue with the minister earlier?
I wrote a letter to Gadkari ji 4-5 months ago. Now I have raised this issue in Lok Sabha because it is of public interest.
How do you want to take this issue forward?
If necessary, I would consider introducing a Private Member’s Bill on this issue.
Did other members support your demand?
After I raised the issue in the House, several members, including Rita Bahuguna Joshi and Keshari Devi Patel, expressed their support. This issue is not limited to my constituency. In other parts of the country, people are also burdened with excessive tolls due to the establishment of toll plazas in violation of the 60-km rule.
Would you demand a short-duration discussion on this issue?
Yes, I will.
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