Kherki Daula Toll Plaza stands as a significant landmark in Gurugram’s infrastructural development. In the last two decades, a developmental wave has completely transformed the Indian built environment, with the Millenium City, Gurugram leading the way. Far from the erstwhile Gurugram of haphazard roads and dirt tracks, today the city is lined with progressive arterial roadways, ensuring connectivity both within the city and with its neighbours such as Delhi, Manesar, Jaipur, etc.
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With the city often being touted as the growth engine of North India, it is increasingly becoming home to aspiring millions hoping to elevate their lifestyle. However, in recent years, the city has also been the victim of bottleneck traffic jams, especially due to the presence of toll plaza booths. In response, the authorities have had to remove several toll plaza booths on Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, making the journey seamless. In the same vein, the residents of Gurugram, particularly the new sectors, have had a longstanding demand to shift the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza.
Kherki Duala Toll Gate Charges for Different Types of Vehicles
| Type of Vehicle | Single Journey (Rs.) | Monthly Pass (Rs.) |
| Car/Jeep/Van | 85 | 930 |
| LCV | 120 | 1225 |
| Bus/Truck | 250 | 3675 |
| Up to 3 Axle Vehicle | 250 | 3675 |
| 4 to 6 Axle | 250 | 3675 |
| HCM/EME | 250 | 3675 |
| 7 or more Axle | 250 | 3675 |
The shifting of Kherki Daula Toll Plaza
Before we first delve into the details of why the shift is being demanded, and what the latest update on it is, it’s important to first talk about the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza itself.
The Kherki Daula Toll Plaza is the terminal point of the Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram. This 27.8 6 km long, eight-lane, elevated expressway, connects Mahipalpur in Delhi to the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza, Gurugram. The elevated corridor is being developed with a vision to act as an alternate road link between Delhi and Gurugram, thereby easing congestion on the Delhi-Gurugram Highway.
While the construction does augur well for increasing connectivity between Delhi, the commercial hubs of Gurgram and Manesar, the construction of the toll plaza has also led to the area in its vicinity being the nexus of frequent jams and long queues at the toll. Not only that, the construction of toll has led to residents on either side of the toll having to utilise it while commuting in the city itself, but also having to pay the toll fare every day. As per industry reports, It is estimated that the toll plaza collects approximately 50-60 lacs per day. It is crucial to note that while the toll plaza was initially constructed outside the city, the city has expanded well past the toll plaza in recent years.
However, it seems like the residents of New Gurugram might finally get some relief from this traffic-logged, polluted transit experience as on 21st May 2023, the Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar announced his submission of a proposal to the government to remove the toll plaza from Kherki Daula. As per India Times, the toll plaza might be shifted to either Panchgaon or Dwarka Expressway. Further, the Minister of Road Transports and Highway, Nitin Gadkari has stated that the toll booth will be shifted once work on Dwarka Expressway has been completed.
Additionally, reports also state that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to install a GPS-based technology that would enable the collection of tolls through FasTags without the physical presence of toll. According to Hindustan Times, this new technology called ‘Pay per road’ would be installed along the major entries, and exits of the Dwarka Expressway. Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) cameras that can identify cars will be installed on the highway to facilitate toll collection as per the distance traveled.
Conclusion
While the Dwarka Expressway’s vision of bringing the cities of Delhi and Gurugram closer is certainly going to help trade and commerce flourish in both cities, the removal of the Kherki Daula Toll is going to further increase the ease of commute as well as provide much-needed relief to residents of Gurugram. With this new ease of transit, the sectors in New Gurugram, an already thriving micromarket, are all set to flourish more than ever, making the locale prime for fruitful investments.
