Vehicles paying toll under automation at the Ganebail toll plaza. Louis Rodrigues
After days of offering motorists an unexpected free ride, the Ganebail toll plaza along the Belagavi–Panaji NH 748 has resumed operations from late Saturday evening, this time under automated systems and staff deployed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Until recently, travellers on the busy highway were enjoying what many described as a rare Indian highway experience — passing through a toll plaza without paying any fee.
The unusual situation arose after around 25 toll employees went on strike from March 14, protesting against the contractor over non-payment of wages as per minimum wage norms.
During the strike, workers had lifted the barriers, allowing vehicles to pass freely. While strikes typically disrupt traffic, this one had the opposite effect — easing congestion and delighting commuters from both Karnataka and Goa.
The protest had also drawn local support. At a meeting held at the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office, former Garlgunji Gram Panchayat member Prasad Patil, along with representatives of Karnataka Yuva Rakshana Vedike and Advocate Padmanand Talwar, extended their backing to the workers’ demands.
However, with mounting concerns over revenue losses, the NHAI stepped in to restore operations. Officials confirmed that toll collection has now restarted in an automated mode, with NHAI personnel temporarily managing the plaza to ensure smooth functioning.
A notice had earlier been issued to the contractor questioning why the contract should not be terminated, particularly in light of the disruption and financial losses incurred during the strike period. Authorities stated that the workers’ actions, though driven by grievances, had led to a significant loss of government revenue.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed had intervened earlier, convening a key meeting at the check post to address the situation.
Meanwhile, NHAI official Bhuvanesh Kumar has reiterated that a fresh tender process for toll collection will be initiated shortly, with assurances that local workers will be given preference during reappointment.
“As of now, the toll collection is fully automated but in case of black list and no fastag manual intervention is required,” Kumar who was present at the toll gate said.
“We have started the toll with the help of our concessionaire’s staff. Have asked nearby agencies for the required staff,” he said.
For motorists, the brief toll-free phase has now come to an end, as the Ganebail toll plaza returns to normal operations — albeit with a more automated and closely monitored system in place.
