NHAI Takes Strict Action Against Toll Agency After Viral Assault Video
The National Highways Authority of India has taken decisive action against a toll plaza operator in Uttar Pradesh. On Friday, NHAI terminated the contract of the agency managing the Bara toll plaza in Barabanki district. The authority also debarred the company from participating in further contracts and bids for one full year. This strong move comes pending a detailed inquiry into a recent incident.
Violent Incident Captured on Camera
Workers and employees of Skylark Infra Engineering Pvt Ltd were caught on camera assaulting a road user recently. The disturbing footage showed multiple individuals attacking a single person after a dispute erupted between the two parties. This incident severely tarnished the image of toll plaza operators across the region.
The matter gained widespread attention after going viral on January 14. Media outlets reported extensively on the assault, prompting NHAI to take immediate notice. The highway authority responded swiftly by issuing a show-cause notice to the company. NHAI warned that the security deposit amounting to Rs 5.3 crore could be forfeited if the company's reply proved unsatisfactory.
Toll Company Presents Its Version
The toll company manages the plaza that forms part of the crucial Lucknow-Sultanpur national highway. In its justification, the company stated that the incident actually occurred on December 30 last year. According to their account, the individual identified himself as an advocate and refused to pay the required user charges.
A worker from the company explained their perspective. "The individual started misbehaving with our toll staff members after we prevented him from crossing the barrier without payment," he said. The company planned to provide NHAI with original camera footage from the site along with their formal reply.
"The viral recording shows only half the picture," the worker emphasized. "It went viral more than fifteen days after the actual incident. We will plead with NHAI to examine the entire matter thoroughly before making any final decision. The advocate threatened our staff members and used inappropriate language after being apprehended for fee refusal."
Broader Implications for Toll Operations
This case highlights growing concerns about toll plaza management and user interactions across India's highway network. NHAI's firm response demonstrates their commitment to maintaining proper conduct standards at toll collection points. The one-year debarment from contracts and bids represents a significant financial blow to the company involved.
Authorities continue their inquiry into the December incident while implementing immediate corrective measures. Road users and transportation experts will watch closely as this situation develops further. The outcome may influence how toll operators interact with the public on national highways throughout the country.
