The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a historic and revolutionary step, providing direct and significant relief to the common public. Since March 2022, the state government has successfully closed a total of 19 toll plazas operating on Punjab's roads, thereby putting an end to "open plunder." This decision is not merely an administrative action but a major milestone in eliminating the unnecessary burden on the common people's pockets. The closure of these 19 toll plazas is resulting in a direct saving of approximately ₹65 lakh per day for millions of commuters in Punjab, which translates into a staggering ₹225 crore annually. This demonstrates CM Mann's commitment to his promise of providing corruption-free and people-dedicated governance to the people of Punjab.
This move by the Punjab government stands in stark contrast to the policies of previous governments, where toll companies were often allegedly protected. The Mann government has made it clear that companies violating contract terms, failing to maintain roads properly, or not depositing the royalty due to the government will not be spared at any cost. Many of these 19 toll plazas were closed either because their contract expired and the government flatly refused to grant any extension, or they were shut down under punitive action for contract violation. This decision is proof that the current Punjab government prioritizes the interests of the common public over corporate profits and does not hesitate to ensure accountability.
This major change began in 2022 itself, when the government gave clear indications that the "era of loot" was over. On September 4, 2022, the Ladda and Ahmedgarh toll plazas on the Sangrur-Ludhiana road were closed. The operator sought compensation or extension worth ₹50 crore, citing COVID and the farmers' agitation, which the Chief Minister rejected, stating that it was a global catastrophe and its burden could not be put on the public. Subsequently, the closure of the Lachhowal toll plaza on the Hoshiarpur-Tanda road on December 15, 2022, was a major step. Here, the government not only refused an extension but also filed an FIR against the company on charges of contract violation and fund diversion, proving that the government believes in taking strict action, not just making statements.
The mission gained further momentum in 2023. While closing the Nakkiyan toll plaza on the Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal-Una road on April 1, 2023, CM Bhagwant Mann announced that "the era of 'road rent' in the state has ended." He revealed that the operator had delayed laying the second layer of bitumen on the road by 1,093 days and owed a penalty of ₹67 crore, which previous governments had failed to recover. The closure of this single toll alone started saving the public ₹10.12 lakh daily. Following this, tolls were also closed on the Samana-Patran road in Patiala and other locations, making it clear that the government was holding every company that had plundered the public to account.
This action by the Punjab government also raises a big question mark on the working style of previous governments. While closing the Singhawala toll plaza on the Moga-Kotkapura road on July 5, 2023, CM Mann made a major disclosure. He stated that the accumulated penalty on this company was ₹3.89 crore, which was more than the threshold of ₹3.11 crore for contract termination. This meant that the toll plaza could have been closed in 2019, but the previous Congress government allegedly gave "protection" to the operator, allowing the public's plunder to continue. The Mann government broke this "nexus" upon coming to power and took a decision in favor of the people.
This campaign continued with full force in 2024 and 2025. In April 2024, the Rakba and Mahal Kalan toll plazas on the Ludhiana-Barnala Highway were closed, further extending the list of toll-free roads. The latest, and 19th, example of this policy is the closure of the Jagraon-Nakodar toll plaza in October 2025. This toll was closed approximately 18 months before the contract expiry. The reason was clear: the operator failed to carry out necessary road repairs and deposit royalty to the government. This shows that the government is taking strict action not only upon contract expiration but also proactively by monitoring and acting prematurely when public interest is violated.
The biggest benefit of the closure of these 19 toll plazas is directly reaching the common people of Punjab. These figures are not mere political rhetoric but are positively impacting the pockets of every citizen who uses these roads. By April 2023, when 8 tolls were closed, the daily saving was ₹10.12 lakh. By July 2023, with 10 tolls closed, this saving increased to ₹44.43 lakh per day. And now, with 19 tolls closed in October 2025, this figure has reached approximately ₹65 lakh per day (i.e., ₹225 crore annually). The government has made approximately 590 kilometers of State Highways in the state toll-free, providing immense economic relief to millions of farmers, traders, students, and daily commuters.
The Punjab government's decision to close 19 toll plazas is a symbol of a new, transparent, and people-dedicated government in the state. It shows that if the government has the political will, the "toll mafia" and corrupt system that plunders the common public can be dismantled. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the government has proven its commitment to fulfilling its promises and protecting the money of the people of Punjab. This annual saving of ₹225 crore will be spent on the development of the people of Punjab, and will not go into the coffers of private companies. This step will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the biggest victories for the common man in the history of Punjab.