The West Bengal government has launched a major drive against illegal toll collection across the state, ordering district administrations to immediately shut down all unauthorised toll plazas, barricades, and roadside collection points. The directive, issued late Tuesday night by newly appointed Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, signals a strict administrative push to curb illegal levies on transport operators and commuters.
According to the official notification sent to all District Magistrates, authorities have been instructed to identify and remove every illegal toll gate, drop gate, barricade, and operational collection point functioning without approval anywhere in the state.
The government has also asked district administrations to ensure that no such unauthorised toll collection systems are allowed to reappear once removed. Officials have specifically been directed to prevent any illegal collection of money from passengers, transport workers, or vehicle owners at these points.
Apart from the crackdown on illegal toll operations, the state government has simultaneously sought detailed information regarding all authorised toll plazas operating in West Bengal.
District Magistrates have been asked to submit a complete report mentioning the number of legal toll gates in their districts, the agencies or operators managing them, and the duration of their existing tenders or operational contracts.
The directive further seeks information on all officially authorised collection points currently functioning across the state. Officials have been instructed to submit the full report to the Chief Secretary’s office by 12 PM on Friday, May 15.
Administrative sources said the move is aimed at increasing transparency in the transport system and stopping unauthorised roadside collections that often create harassment for transport operators and common commuters.
The latest order is being viewed as one of the first major administrative decisions taken under the new state leadership to tighten oversight over transport-related operations and revenue collection mechanisms.
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