Singla orders audit of toll plazas

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, April 26

Public Works Department (PWD) and IT Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Thursday inspected the Kalajhar toll plaza on the Sangrur-Patiala road. He said working of many plazas across the state had been under the scanner for lack of mandatory facilities. Singla announced a quick audit of all plazas to curb harassment of motorists.

The minister stayed at the plaza for around 20 minutes and took stock of facilities such as ambulance, crane etc. He found that the ambulance was not properly equipped, while the staff failed to give a satisfactory reply to his queries. Singla directed senior PWD officers for action against the plaza authorities.

“We will conduct a thorough audit of facilities of all plazas. In a couple of days after taking charge, I have got numerous complaints against plazas,” he said. Singla said he had learnt that plaza men had blocked some roads illegally, forcing motorists to use toll roads. “We will check this menace. We will also ensure that motorists get exemption from toll if they have to stay wait in queues beyond the prescribed time,” he said.

Some villagers approached Singla, alleging that the Kalajhar toll plaza authorities were not issuing concessional passes to the residents of surrounding areas. The ministers directed the officials to ensure redressal of their complaint. “We thank the minister for a quick action. We demand strict action against the plaza authorities to prevent any harassment in future,” said Gurmeet Singh of Channo village.