SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 3,197 complaints related to user fee collection at its six National Highway toll plazas over the last three years, with the number of grievances rising each year, according to data placed before the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Ministry informed Parliament that 940 complaints were received in 2023, which increased to 1,083 in 2024 and further to 1,174 in 2025, indicating a steady escalation in reported issues from highway users in the Union Territory.
As of December 2025, six fee plazas are operational on National Highways in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre said toll is collected at all such plazas in accordance with the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 and the respective concession agreements.
In its reply, the government stated that user charges continue to be levied either by concessionaires during the concession period or by the executing authority after transfer of the project. The revenue collected is deposited into the Consolidated Fund of India and utilised for maintenance and development of highways.
The Ministry said toll plazas are monitored by its agencies to ensure compliance with prescribed norms and contractual conditions. It added that penalties are imposed on fee-collecting agencies in cases of violations or excess collection. However, the list of penalised plazas shared with Parliament did not include any site from Jammu and Kashmir.
Nationally, the issue of toll collection has drawn attention following incidents at some plazas in other States, including disputes linked to FASTag operations and forceful passage of vehicles without payment. The Centre said complaints from users are compiled year-wise and State-wise and form part of ongoing oversight of toll operations.
The figures were provided in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha.
