Disabled War Hero Asked to Pay Toll Despite Showing Documents in K’taka, NHAI Responds
In a shocking incident, a disabled war hero, an ex-Para SF commando, was asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, despite showing documents of exemption. The commando, who got disabled after suffering injuries in an operation, was traveling through the toll plaza when he was stopped and asked to pay the toll fee. What’s even more surprising is that he was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, raising questions about the inconsistency in the application of toll exemption rules.
The commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that he was shocked and disappointed when he was asked to pay the toll fee despite showing his documents of exemption. He said that he had been traveling through various toll plazas in the state, but this was the first time he was asked to pay the toll fee. He expressed his frustration and disappointment, saying that it was unfair to ask a disabled war hero to pay toll when he had already made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
The incident has sparked outrage and debate on social media, with many people expressing their anger and disappointment at the treatment meted out to the disabled war hero. Many have questioned the rules and regulations governing toll exemption, asking why a disabled war hero should be asked to pay toll when he has already sacrificed so much for the country.
In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a statement clarifying the rules and regulations governing toll exemption. According to NHAI, “Toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty.” This means that disabled war heroes, who are no longer serving in the Army, are not exempt from paying toll fees.
While NHAI’s response may seem clear and straightforward, it raises many questions about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. If a disabled war hero, who has sacrificed his health and well-being for the country, is not exempt from paying toll fees, then who is? Is it not the duty of the government and the NHAI to provide some sort of relief and support to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country?
The incident also highlights the inconsistencies and flaws in the application of toll exemption rules. If the commando was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, then why was he asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza? Is it not the responsibility of the toll plaza authorities to ensure that the rules and regulations are applied consistently and fairly?
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. Many have argued that disabled war heroes should be given more benefits and privileges, including exemption from toll fees, as a token of appreciation for their sacrifice. Others have argued that the government and the NHAI should review the rules and regulations governing toll exemption to ensure that they are fair and consistent.
In conclusion, the incident of the disabled war hero being asked to pay toll despite showing documents of exemption is a shocking and disappointing one. It highlights the inconsistencies and flaws in the application of toll exemption rules and raises questions about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. While NHAI’s response may seem clear and straightforward, it raises many questions about the duty of the government and the NHAI to provide relief and support to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
As the debate and discussion around this incident continue, it is hoped that the government and the NHAI will take steps to review and revise the rules and regulations governing toll exemption to ensure that they are fair and consistent. It is also hoped that disabled war heroes will be given the respect and appreciation they deserve, including exemption from toll fees, as a token of gratitude for their sacrifice.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
About the Author
