NHAI reports ₹5,060 crore toll collection to Gujarat HC, asserts significant portion funds reinvested in road maintenance, expansion

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) informed the Gujarat High Court that it has collected ₹5,060 crore in toll revenue from the state, while asserting that significant portion of these funds are being aggressively reinvested into road maintenance and expansion.

The submission came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing the deteriorating condition of national highways and the rising prevalence of potholes on Bharuch to Surat and Surat to Dahisar stretch.

Counsel for the NHAI clarified the authority's expenditure, noting that ₹1,500 crore has been dedicated specifically to maintenance. An additional ₹2,000 crore was spent on "augmentation”, which includes upgrading several four-lane highways to six lanes. Notably, the counsel emphasised that these figures do not include the substantial costs associated with land acquisition.

Responding to queries regarding the allocation of toll revenue, the NHAI explained that funds are managed as part of a Pan-India Project, meaning revenue generated in one specific region is not exclusively reserved for that same location but it is actually PAN India distributed based on national infrastructure priorities.

The Division Bench maintained a firm stance on commuter safety, stating, “the only thing we are concerned about is the condition of the road."

The counsel for NHAI submitted that judicial intervention has already led to accelerated work schedules and improved material quality. The termination of a non-performing contractor, with projects reassigned to more capable contractors. The completion of major overlay work as of last December.

In a lighter but pointed moment, the high court remarked that it will send someone to travel by road from Ahmedabad to Surat, specifically focusing on the Bharuch section, to verify the NHAI’s claims of improvement.

The NHAI also highlighted a Supreme Court directive requiring Chief Secretaries and Collectors to prevent highway encroachments and illegal parking. Furthermore, the counsel noted that the opening of the new Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has already resulted in a 35% reduction in traffic congestion on NH-8.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing next week