Madras High Court Halts Ban on TNSTC Buses Crossing NHAI Toll Plazas in South Tamil Nadu

Quick Summary:

• The Madras High Court temporarily suspended its earlier order that restricted tamil nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses from crossing toll plazas due to toll arrears amounting to ₹276 crore.
• Justice N. Anand venkatesh deferred the order until July 31, 2025, after being informed of a meeting convened by the Transport Secretary to address the issue with National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) concessionaires.
• The court highlighted mandatory compliance with Fastag installation for TNSTC buses and warned penalties for non-compliance.
• Concerns were raised about public transport users facing hardship due to potential restrictions at toll plazas, including Kappalur, Etturavattam, Salaipudhur, and Nanguneri points in southern Tamil Nadu.
• The dispute arose after several NHAI concessionaires filed petitions alleging TNSTC’s failure to settle ₹276 crore in arrears sence 2024.

Indian opinion Analysis:

This temporary suspension by the Madras High Court provides an opportunity for resolution between TNSTC and NHAI concessionaires over long-pending dues. While legal enforcement of toll arrears is valid from the viewpoint of private entities managing infrastructure projects, public transport usage highlights broader concerns like accessibility and affordability for commuters who depend on state-run services daily.

The mandatory Fastag compliance underlines efforts toward modernization and streamlined operations; though,lack of timely adoption by government agencies may reflect administrative lapses needing urgent redressal. Ensuring uninterrupted transit through major tollways while balancing payment obligations is critical to maintaining trust between government institutions and private stakeholders-a necessary step toward sustainable infrastructure management.

Read more: Madras High Court suspends ban on TNSTC buses at toll plazas

Images:
!80/CB23_TNSTC.jpg”>TNSTC bus representation