West Bengal Cracks Down on Unauthorized Toll Collection, Bringing Major Relief to Hill Drivers

KalimNews, May 13, 2026, Kolkata : West Bengal government has ordered the immediate closure of all unauthorized toll gates, barricades, drop gates, and illegal collection points operating across the state.

The directive, issued on May 12 by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Aggarwal on behalf of the state government, clearly states that no toll or collection point can function without proper authorization from the competent authority. District Magistrates across West Bengal have also been instructed to identify such illegal collection points and ensure that they are not allowed to resume operations without official approval.

The order further mandates an immediate halt to the collection of any fees, levies, or charges at unauthorized checkpoints.

The announcement has been welcomed enthusiastically by drivers operating along the Gangtok–Siliguri route, many of whom had long complained of harassment and repeated unofficial collections during their journeys.

Drivers of the Gangtok–Siliguri Mainline Taxi Drivers’ Association, described the decision as a major relief for Sikkim-based drivers. According to him, nearly ten barricade points had allegedly been operating along the route, where drivers often faced difficulties and were reportedly compelled to pay amounts ranging between ₹500 and ₹1000 per vehicle.

Drivers claimed that the issue had become a daily burden, with some alleging they had to pay between ₹1000 and ₹1200 every day under the pretext of barricade checking and other unofficial collections.

The decision had finally freed drivers from long-standing hardships. Drivers also appreciated the efforts of  West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for addressing the concerns raised by transport operators.

The decision has also sparked strong reactions in the Darjeeling hills, where the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) demanded the closure of the Rohini Road Toll Plaza in Kurseong.

A GNLF delegation submitted a memorandum to the Darjeeling district administration opposing toll collection at the Rohini Road plaza. Party spokesperson Y. Lama questioned the transparency of the toll system and raised concerns regarding how the collected funds were being utilized.

Lama stated that the Rohini Road was originally constructed under the leadership of late Gorkha leader Subash Ghisingh to benefit the people of the hills and facilitate smoother travel. Since the road now bears Ghisingh’s name, the party argued that imposing toll charges on commuters was inappropriate and caused unnecessary inconvenience.

The district administration reportedly assured the delegation that the matter would be communicated to the concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista welcomed the state government’s decision and stated that all unauthorized toll gates would now be shut down with immediate effect. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, illegal extortion and “tola-baazi” would not be tolerated.

He further said that the government aims to ensure ease of life for citizens, strengthen the rule of law, and promote transparent and corruption-free governance.

Residents and commuters across the region have widely welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed step toward reducing harassment, ensuring accountability, and protecting ordinary citizens from illegal collections.

Many believe that public roads should serve the people—not become a source of unlawful financial burden—and have praised the initiative as an important measure for smoother transportation and fair governance.