MNS MLA moves HC against toll collection on Pune-Mumbai route

An MNS legislator has filed a public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court against the collection of toll on the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH4) as well as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Petitioner Nitin Sardesai is the MLA from Dadar, central Mumbai.
The petition, filed through advocate Sayaji Nangre, seeks that court restrain the Maharashtra government, Mhaiskar Infrastructure and Ideal Road Builders, who had entered into public-private partnership to construct/expand the roads, from collecting toll.
"The manner in which toll is being imposed upon the public travelling on the said highways is most arbitrary, unreasonable, unfair and unconstitutional. Toll is being sought for facilities which have not been completed," the petition states.

It says that toll should not be collected till the completion of four-lane expansion of the old highway, and provision of facilities on the Expressway.
Besides, 'Advanced Traffic Management System' should be installed on the two roads, it demands.

The petition has also sought provision of sufficient number of ambulance services.
Of late, several fatal accidents have taken place on the Expressway.
The PIL is likely to come up for hearing next week.