MCD Grants Six-Month Extension to Delhi Toll Collection Agency Amid Tech Overhaul Plans
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has officially approved a six-month extension for the agency responsible for managing toll collection at 156 plazas across the national capital. This decision comes as the current contract was scheduled to expire on April 9, 2024.
Extension Details and Revenue Arrangement
The extension will remain effective until a fresh tender is finalized or the six-month period lapses, whichever occurs first. During this interim phase, the civic body will continue with the existing annual revenue arrangement, which amounts to approximately Rs 864 crore. The current toll operator was originally awarded the contract in 2021 for a three-year term. Since the beginning of 2024, MCD has been renewing the agreement on a six-month basis due to persistent delays in finalizing a new tender process.
Supreme Court Directives on Congestion and Technology
The Supreme Court of India has played a pivotal role in shaping MCD's approach to toll management. The apex court had earlier suggested that MCD consider removing nine toll plazas located on national highways entering Delhi to help alleviate traffic congestion. Furthermore, based on a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management, the court has asked MCD to explain why immediate steps should not be taken to install and fully operationalize a barrier-free Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system.
This advanced system is to be integrated with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technologies at all toll points by October of this year. The primary goal is to ease congestion at Delhi's border entry points. The court has warned that if MCD fails to meet this MLFF deadline, it could be directed to restrict toll collection at the nine specified plazas only to vehicles liable to pay environment compensation charges during the peak winter months.
MCD's Technological Implementation Plans
In response to these directives, MCD officials have confirmed that the civic body is actively working on the technological upgrades. Plans are underway to introduce ANPR systems across all 156 toll points in Delhi. Once this system is implemented, vehicles will no longer need to stop at toll plazas. Instead, cameras will scan number plates and automatically deduct toll amounts from FASTag accounts linked to the vehicle registration numbers, ensuring a seamless and efficient flow of traffic.
Officials have stated that the request for proposal for installing this comprehensive system has already been issued, marking a significant step toward modernizing Delhi's toll infrastructure.
Additional Civic Initiatives Approved by MCD
Beyond toll management, the MCD House has cleared several other proposals aimed at improving urban services and sustainability. Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh announced that a plan has been approved to remodel an existing sludge pump house and construct a sewage treatment plant. This facility will supply treated water to municipal parks in areas including Sunder Nagri, Shastri Park, IP Extension, Laxmi Nagar, and adjoining neighborhoods, promoting water conservation and greener public spaces.
Moreover, the House has endorsed a initiative to involve non-governmental organizations (NGOs), resident welfare societies, and self-help groups in adopting and maintaining cremation grounds, burial grounds, and cemeteries across the city. Twenty-four organizations have been selected for this collaborative effort.
As part of a pilot project, two NGOs will introduce 100% upla (cow dung cake)-based cremation at the Green Park cremation ground and the Dwarka Sector 24 cremation ground. This move is designed to promote environmentally sustainable last rites, aligning with broader ecological goals.
