Madras High Court Restricts TNSTC Buses from Crossing Four Toll Plazas in South Tamil Nadu

Fast Summary

• The Madras High court has ordered Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses to cease using toll plazas maintained by four National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) concessionaires from July 10 due to outstanding dues of ₹276 crore.
• Justice N. Anand Venkatesh issued the directive as a response to the failure of TNSTC to resolve arrears, despite settling only ₹48.5 crore out of a total owed figure that includes principal amount, penalty, and interest.
• Four specific toll plazas impacted include Kappalur, Etturavattam, Salaipudhur, and Nanguneri in Tamil NaduS southern districts.
• Adequate police deployment has been instructed at the toll plazas to prevent potential law and order issues arising from this decision.
• Government buses were also found violating Fastag regulations imposed by the Center.
• The judge expressed concern over government inaction leading to adverse effects on public commuting and estimated that prolonged delays could escalate dues beyond ₹300-₹400 crore.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This judicial intervention highlights a complex intersection between governance inefficiencies and public service accountability. failure by TNSTC to clear substantial arrears suggests systemic financial mismanagement within state-run institutions. While enforcing strict penalties may ensure compliance in monetary obligations toward private concessionaires managing national highway infrastructure, halting bus services could disproportionately affect common citizens relying on affordable transportation.

The state’s apparent delay in negotiating with NHAI or adopting viable payment mechanisms (e.g., compliance via Fastag systems) underscores deeper operational challenges in balancing fiscal responsibilities with social obligations like transportation access. Immediate dialog between TNSTC officials and stakeholders appears essential not only for resolving arrears but also for mitigating disruptions impacting passenger movement across key highways.

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