Guwahati: The Indian National Congress on Sunday criticised the proposed hike in highway toll charges in Assam, alleging that the move would increase the financial burden on commuters and accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of pursuing policies that put additional strain on the common public.
The remarks were made by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee through a post on X on Sunday afternoon. The post was accompanied by an informational graphic highlighting the proposed increase in toll charges across several plazas in the state.
According to the party, toll charges at multiple plazas in Assam are set to rise from April 1 as part of the annual revision mechanism followed by the National Highways Authority of India.
The Congress claimed that toll rates at seven toll gates across the state would see an increase. In certain vehicle categories, the toll fee may rise by around Rs 5, with rates at some plazas increasing from approximately Rs 30 to Rs 35, the party said.
The party argued that even marginal increases in toll charges could add to the economic pressure faced by ordinary citizens, especially at a time when fuel prices and household expenses remain high.
In its statement, the Congress also linked the issue to the recent increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices, alleging that the government was continuing to place additional financial burdens on the public through rising costs and taxes.
The party further urged citizens to strengthen the hands of the Congress in order to challenge what it described as misgovernance.
Officials, however, have previously maintained that toll revisions carried out by the National Highways Authority of India are part of a routine annual adjustment linked to inflation and operational costs under existing concession agreements.
Observers note that issues related to infrastructure charges, including toll revisions, often become politically contentious, particularly in the run-up to elections or during periods of rising living costs.
There was no immediate response from the BJP or highway authorities in Assam regarding the allegations made by the opposition party at the time of filing this report.