Delhi-Noida-Direct flyway to remain toll free for six more weeks, at least

NEW DELHI: In some good news for Delhi-Noida commuters, the Delhi-Noida-Direct flyway will remain toll-free for at least six more weeks. The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing in the case for six weeks.

The Allahabad high court had on October 26, 2016 ordered that no toll would be collected from those using the 9.2 km-long, eight-lane flyway. The order was passed as the high court had allowed a PIL by the Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Association that had challenged the "levy and collection of toll in the name of user fee" by the Noida Toll Bridge Company Ltd (NTBCL).

However, the NTBCL had challenged the high court verdict in the top court, saying its cost has not been recovered as the HC did not take into account all aspects and factors like interest on construction cost, depreciation and maintenance expenses, which come to around Rs 12.5 lakh per day.

The SC had in December stated that it will hear the matter related to same in February. The apex court had in November 2016 asked the CAG to assist in the matter and verify the company's claim that the total cost of the project has not been recovered.