Gujarat toll income crosses ₹5,400 crore even as poor roads spark corruption allegations in R&B dept

Motorists across Gujarat pay thousands of crores in toll taxes every year, yet large stretches of highways and internal roads remain in poor condition, prompting fresh allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the state’s Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department.

In 2024–25 alone, toll plazas on Gujarat’s highways collected ₹5,450.20 crore. National Highway toll plazas generate roughly ₹14.93 crore a day—about ₹1.04 lakh every minute. Despite these revenues, many highways and major roads across the state remain riddled with potholes, damaged stretches and unfinished work.

In several areas, roads allegedly built with poor-quality materials have been washed away by rainwater, while repairs have yet to be carried out.

Toll revenue rises as road quality comes under scrutiny

The Bharthana toll plaza has emerged as the highest-earning toll point in the state. However, motorists say the heavy toll burden is not matched by road quality.

Across Gujarat, damaged road surfaces and potholes are increasing travel time and vehicle maintenance costs for commuters. Critics say the gap between toll collections and road conditions has raised questions about the functioning of the R&B Department and the effectiveness of road maintenance.

Delays and diversions on major highways

One of the most frequently cited examples is the Ahmedabad–Rajkot highway project. The contract for the project was awarded with the condition that the work would be completed in 2018. However, more than six years later, the construction remains unfinished.

On the Rajkot–Jetpur highway, frequent diversions along a 60-km stretch have become a major source of frustration for motorists, with commuters reportedly spending hours stuck in traffic despite paying toll taxes.

Concerns raised over internal roads

The condition of internal roads across Gujarat’s 34 districts has also drawn criticism. According to sources, even ruling party MLAs have expressed dissatisfaction over road quality, though they are reportedly constrained by party discipline from raising the issue openly in the Assembly.

MLAs have reportedly been assigned job numbers for road works worth ₹10 crore each. However, many of these projects remain incomplete even after five years.

Irregularities in department functioning?

Sources allege that mismanagement and internal arrangements within the R&B Department have contributed to deteriorating road infrastructure. According to these claims, some officials allegedly operate under a “give-and-take” system while dealing with contractors and departmental work.

It is also alleged that even recommendations from the Chief Minister’s Office or ministers regarding road-related issues are not always acted upon promptly by department officials.

Several complaints have reportedly been made against R&B Department Secretary Patel (P.R.Patelia?). Allegations of irregularities in purchases and tenders have also reportedly reached the Chief Minister’s Office, though no action has been reported so far.

Questions over accountability

Motorists in Gujarat paid over ₹16,000 crore in toll tax between 2023 and early 2026, according to reports, even as the poor condition of roads has become a growing public concern.

Many motorists say the benefits of these payments are not reflected in road quality, raising broader questions about accountability in road construction and maintenance.