Shillong: Revised toll revenue figures released by the National Highways Authority of India’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Shillong have clarified discrepancies in earlier data on toll collections in Meghalaya, which came to light following a Right to Information (RTI) application.
The clarification was issued on December 8 in response to an RTI filed by Rakesh Hazarika, Executive Director of the Centre for Efficient Governance (CEG), who has been consistently raising concerns over transparency in highway toll accounting.
The fresh data shows that toll plazas in Meghalaya generated a total of Rs 96.05 crore during the 2024–25 financial year.
According to the revised figures, Pahammawlein Toll Plaza accounted for the highest collection at Rs 61.26 crore, followed by Diengpasoh with Rs 24.80 crore and Pasyih with Rs 9.99 crore, while Lumshnong reported no toll revenue during the period.
The correction follows an apparent anomaly in earlier RTI replies, where PIU Shillong had furnished identical toll collection figures for FY 2023–24 and the calendar year 2024, despite the two periods overlapping for only nine months.
The unusual duplication prompted CEG to seek a re-verification of the data.
Hazarika said the matching figures pointed to an error in compilation or reporting and warranted closer scrutiny.
He added that while the revised disclosure was welcome, similar lapses in the past suggested deeper issues in data management within the authority.
CEG noted that previous information had placed toll collections for FY 2023–24 at Rs 90.26 crore, indicating a rise in revenue in the current financial year.
However, Hazarika argued that repeated inconsistencies undermine confidence in official disclosures and called for stronger internal checks.
Drawing parallels with earlier RTI findings in Assam, he said discrepancies in toll data from the Galia Toll Plaza had eventually drawn the attention of the Central Vigilance Commission.
Such recurring errors, he said, raise concerns about the overall accuracy of toll revenue reporting across regions.
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The RTI response also reiterated that Meghalaya still lacks Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along its national highways, despite toll collection having continued for more than a decade.
The first toll plaza in the state, at Diengpasoh, began operations in 2014.
CEG pointed out that the absence of facilities such as rest areas, toilets, food kiosks and emergency services remains a major inconvenience, particularly for tourists and long-distance travellers in a state heavily dependent on tourism.
Calling the situation a sign of institutional neglect, Hazarika urged NHAI to initiate an internal audit of toll revenue records and to urgently prioritise the construction of WSAs along Meghalaya’s highways.
