NHAI Closes U-Turn Near Khedki Daula Toll Plaza on Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Traffic Disruptions Expected as Toll Fees Enforced.

NHAI Closes U-Turn Near Kherki Daula Toll Plaza

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has closed the U-turn on the Delhi-Jaipur highway near the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza. This decision was made on Thursday afternoon, and it means that drivers coming from Manesar heading to Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sohna will now have to pay a toll. The alternative route will be using the cloverleaf of the Dwarka Expressway, with a toll fee of Rs 85 for car drivers. Different rates apply for heavy vehicles.

Traffic Management During Closure

The closure was carried out under the supervision of a duty magistrate and local police. As the toll plaza staff began blocking the U-turn, traffic jams quickly formed. The traffic police were not informed prior to this action, leading to confusion and some drivers attempting to go the wrong way. The police intervened to manage the situation and ensure traffic moved smoothly.

Drivers’ Concerns Over Toll Charges

Many drivers, who previously used the U-turn to avoid toll fees, are unhappy with this change. They often took the outer road from Sector-76-77 to bypass the toll at Kherki Daula and reach their destinations without extra charges.

Safety Concerns Cited for Closure

The NHAI has stated that the closure aligns with recommendations from the Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee. They highlighted that the U-turn has been a site of numerous accidents due to vehicle conflicts exiting the toll plaza. A security check by NHAI prompted the decision to shut down this U-turn to enhance safety.

Impact on Local Traffic

Local residents are expressing frustration over the potential increase in traffic congestion. Dhirendra Singh, a community leader, mentioned that Rampura Chowk already experiences heavy traffic during peak hours. The closure will likely push heavy vehicles to reroute through residential areas, affecting communities near the toll plaza, including Monsoon Bridge and various Godrej societies. Nihar Ranjan, another resident, criticized the decision, calling it misguided.

Alternative Routes Available

For those needing to bypass the toll, the cloverleaf of the Dwarka Expressway remains an option, although the closure of the U-turn from Manesar to Delhi has raised concerns among local drivers.