SDMC, NHAI settle dispute in HC over expressway toll lanes

NHAI and South Delhi Municipal Corporation today told the Delhi High Court that they have settled their dispute over grant of toll lanes to the civic body for collecting entry tax from commercial vehicles coming to the capital through Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the SDMC submitted before the court the terms of settlement according to which six toll lanes have been given to the civic agency to collect tax from private cabs and trucks coming into the capital.
"The parties to the settlement shall be bound by the terms and conditions (arrived at)," Justice Manmohan said in the order while disposing of the petitions of the civic body and its contractor, who had sought grant of all 16 toll lanes to collect the entry tax.

NHAI and SDMC arrived at the settlement after the court on February 21 had directed them to sit together and amicably settle their dispute.
Pursuant to the court's direction, the two had a meeting in which the terms of settlement were decided and agreed upon.
According to the terms of settlement, which is also quoted in the court's order, sign boards directing the commercial vehicles to the entry tax lanes will be put up at 500 m intervals, two km from the toll booths.

Apart from that yellow lines and plastic cones will be set up to "channelise" the commercial traffic and these arrangements will be made by AFDC which will be reimbursed for its efforts by the SDMC, the settlement terms said.

SDMC will have to pay rent to NHAI for use of national highway land, toll booths and office space given to the civic body for collecting entry tax, the terms of settlement said.
NHAI and SDMC also agreed to review the status of the arrangement after 30 days or as and when required.